Commenting on the HM Inspectorate of Probation report on Post-release supervision for short-term prisoners: the work undertaken by Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs), Mark Day, head of policy and communications at the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“The chief inspector could not be clearer in her assessment of the failure of compulsory post-release supervision for short sentenced prisoners. While the reforms appear to have had no discernible impact on reoffending, recall rates have rocketed, disrupting lives and placing unnecessary pressure on an already overcrowded and overstretched prison system. Since its introduction, recall rates for men have increased by 29%, while for women they have risen by a shocking 166%.
EXTENSION OF PRESUMPTION AGAINST SHORT PRISON SENTENCES
Commenting on today’s announcement (17 May) by the Scottish Government that an affirmative order has been published to extend the existing presumption from three to 12 months, Alex Hewson, Senior Policy and Communications Officer at the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“Today’s announcement is a welcome step in reducing our reliance on ineffective short prison sentences. It’s grounded in the evidence, and is a critical part of wider efforts to deliver more effective responses to crime that benefit society, and those convicted.
Commenting on today’s announcement (16 May) by the Ministry of Justice that National Probation Service will take over responsibility for all offender management, Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“David Gauke’s pragmatism offers hope that the damage done to the probation system by his predecessor can eventually be repaired. Courts are crying out for a simpler system in which they can have confidence. In legislating to make these sensible changes, the Justice Secretary should take the opportunity to implement his policy to abolish pointless short custodial sentences. He can bring to an end the nonsense of people being subject to compulsory post release supervision, which has led to an explosion in the number of people recalled to custody but done nothing to reduce re-offending.”
Commenting on the Ministry of Justice’s announcement today (4 May 2019) that a new Counter Corruption Unit has been established, Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“This is a welcome announcement. Anyone who lives or works in prison knows that corrupting a member of staff is one of the most effective ways to get drugs in. But turning suspicion into proof and prosecution takes time and specialist input, so it is good to see this unit set up.
“The other half of the equation, set out in the prison service’s recently published drug strategy, is to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the first place. That means both better treatment and a better way of life generally in prisons, so that prisoners stop seeing drugs as a way to make their sentence bearable.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE SAFETY IN CUSTODY STATISTICS
Commenting, Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“These numbers show that there is a very long way to go before our prison system is safe for the people who live and work in it. The rise in self-inflicted deaths is especially concerning.
More crime, more victims, fewer police - Police Federation responds to ONS statistics
The Government needs to talk less and do more as stark statistics further highlight the true extent of the violent crime epidemic gripping the country, says vice-chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Police-recorded crime figures released today (25 April) by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows crime is continuing to rise in all but a handful of categories.
Over the year to December 2018 offences involving knives or sharp instruments went up by 6% to 40,829 making it the highest since records began.
Commenting, Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“These numbers show that there is a very long way to go before our prison system is safe for the people who live and work in it. The rise in self-inflicted deaths is especially concerning.
“Everyone will hope that the modest improvement in both self-harm and assault figures in the most recent quarter may be the start of a trend, although it is far too early to say. But it would be a mistake, when a change may have started to happen, to put that at risk. Rolling out the deployment of PAVA spray to all prison officers will undermine the relationships between staff and prisoners on which all aspects of safety ultimately depend.”
FROM CELLS TO SPEECHES how former inmate Gethin Jones has been Unlocking Potential within prisons
He works extensively with prison managers, officers and other staff to ensure a rehabilitation culture is built and maintained, as well as offering free advice to inmates or residents. So how did Gethin Jones transform his life, from being a repeat offender to an inspiration for custodial staff and prisoners alike?
Gethin Jones is an inspirational speaker, advising prison governors and staff on how to really make an impact on prisoners’ lives. And he should know, as he turned his life around after spending time inside for a string of crimes or, as he puts it, having “a 20-year relationship with the criminal justice system”.
Since making the decision to turn his life around at the age of 34, Gethin has worked for Portsmouth City Council’s public health department and credits a number of prison staff members who believed in him – as they fuelled his need to push himself out of a cell.
Manufacturers of the Ryno furniture range are putting people first by combining extreme safety with vibrant colours and smooth styling.
Thousands of Ryno products are currently in use in custodial facilities and mental health units across the country, helping to create recovery-led environments with an unparalleled level of safety.
Ryno, an innovative furniture range manufactured by Pineapple Contracts,is characterised by a bright colour palette and the organic, flowing shapes. These attributes work together to add a more “human” feel to typicallyharsh custodial environments. They also aim to soften the potentially intimidating atmosphere experienced by children (and other family members) during visiting times, encouraging better visitations and theassociated psychological benefits.
By Paul Casson, Technical Field Manager, Rentokil Specialist Hygiene and David Cross, Head of Technical Training Academy, Rentokil Pest Control
While prisons exist to help rehabilitate people who have committed a crime or hold those awaiting trial, prisoners still have basic rights to a clean and hygienic habitation. Regular cleaning of prison areas is an important task, especially when you consider how many people live and work within prison environments. The UK’s current prison population is approximately 83,000, with around 35,000 employees keeping these facilities running as smoothly as possible.
While frequent cleaning forms part of the day-to-day management of these buildings, specialist deep cleaning is also required to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the area is fully disinfected for both inmates and staff.