Coordinating the Chaos: An Evaluation of Carceral Evacuations

Abstract

Recurring carceral evacuations are required for some jurisdictions. Little is known about how these evacuations are planned or executed. This study sought to fill this gap by examining carceral evacuations during disasters in 2020 –2021. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 carceral administrators from three US regions where such evacuations are common, namely the Gulf Coast, the Southwest, and the Northwest. From these interviews, three overarching themes emerged – Carceral administrator prerogative, Interoperability, and Successful end-state – which inform 15 posited recommendations for enhancing carceral evacuation efficacy.