Definition
Positive reinforcement is the practice of being always on the lookout for instances of positive pro-social behaviour by prisoners and making a point of responding favourably to that prisoner.
Examples
Positive reinforcement can be in the form of comments, in private conversation with the prisoner, such as:
- “I noticed this morning that you accepted responsibility for the job not being done properly, and I was impressed.”
- “You were really warm and caring towards your children during visits today, and I was very impressed. It seems like you are making a real effort.”
- “I noticed this morning that you talked through that problem with that prisoner without getting aggressive. It looked like you are making a real effort – that’s great to see.”
- “I noticed this morning that you took it well when you were told you couldn’t go out to work today, and I was impressed. It seems like you are making a real effort.”
Unacceptable behaviour
It is very important that prisoners are not rewarded for unacceptable behaviour. For example, bullying can inadvertently be rewarded when, in order to keep the peace, the victim rather than the bully is moved to a different unit.
