Assessing coercion among hunger strikers: A primer

Depending upon the results of this evaluation, the inmate could be offered protective custody, transfer to another facility, or movement to a tier – where inmates are not participating in the strike.

In light of the public attention given to mass hunger strikes lately, anyone working in a jail or prison now should be prepared to handle a coercion assessment.

Dr. Hanson is a forensic psychiatrist and coauthor of "Shrink Rap: Three Psychiatrists Explain Their Work" (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011). The opinions expressed are those of the author only and do not represent those of any of Dr. Hanson’s employers or consultees, including the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Maryland Division of Correction.