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25/05/2005
Licenced jail release returns treble
The number of offenders being recalled to prison after being released on licence in the community has more than trebled in the last five years and is set to increase further according to a report published today by the Prison Reform Trust.
The report, Recycling Offenders Through Prison, reveals that the dramatic rise in people being returned to custody is one of the hidden factors behind the increase in the prison population which reached record levels this month. It says that in some local prisons they make up nearly ten per cent of the jail's population.
It states that the rise is not due to prisoners who are on licence in the community committing further crimes but is a result of tougher enforcement by the Probation Service. The majority of those who are recalled to prison have failed to comply with licence requirements, such as attending Probation appointments.
Enver Solomon, the author of the report, said: “The untold story of the record prison population is the large number of offenders who do not pose a threat to the public but are being dragged back into overcrowded, overstretched jails at great expense to the taxpayer. Prisons exist to protect the public and detain serious, persistent criminals rather than warehouse people who have done their time and need support in the community to rebuild their lives."
The report calls for a review of the national standards for breach of licence conditions so they are less punitive in promoting compliance. It also says that offenders on licence need to be given more support to access services so they can stay out of prison and lead law-abiding lives.
Calling for improvements in the transfer of information, access to legal advice and support, the report also calls for better induction arrangements, assessment and sentence planning for offenders recalled to custody.
(CD/SP)
The report, Recycling Offenders Through Prison, reveals that the dramatic rise in people being returned to custody is one of the hidden factors behind the increase in the prison population which reached record levels this month. It says that in some local prisons they make up nearly ten per cent of the jail's population.
It states that the rise is not due to prisoners who are on licence in the community committing further crimes but is a result of tougher enforcement by the Probation Service. The majority of those who are recalled to prison have failed to comply with licence requirements, such as attending Probation appointments.
Enver Solomon, the author of the report, said: “The untold story of the record prison population is the large number of offenders who do not pose a threat to the public but are being dragged back into overcrowded, overstretched jails at great expense to the taxpayer. Prisons exist to protect the public and detain serious, persistent criminals rather than warehouse people who have done their time and need support in the community to rebuild their lives."
The report calls for a review of the national standards for breach of licence conditions so they are less punitive in promoting compliance. It also says that offenders on licence need to be given more support to access services so they can stay out of prison and lead law-abiding lives.
Calling for improvements in the transfer of information, access to legal advice and support, the report also calls for better induction arrangements, assessment and sentence planning for offenders recalled to custody.
(CD/SP)
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Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
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Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
01 July 2003
'Decisive political leadership' needed to cut prison population
An independent report published today has refuted suggestions that the judicial system is going soft on crime, and called for "decisive political leadership" to reduce the growing prison population.
'Decisive political leadership' needed to cut prison population
An independent report published today has refuted suggestions that the judicial system is going soft on crime, and called for "decisive political leadership" to reduce the growing prison population.
01 March 2011
Northern Ireland Prison Service Facing Reform
As many as 500 prison officers could be made redundant as part of a major, fundamental reform of the prison service in Northern Ireland. There is a severance package being proposed as one of the recommendations in an interim report published by a review team.
Northern Ireland Prison Service Facing Reform
As many as 500 prison officers could be made redundant as part of a major, fundamental reform of the prison service in Northern Ireland. There is a severance package being proposed as one of the recommendations in an interim report published by a review team.
02 September 2009
Call For Degree Educated Prison Officers
A charity for Penal Reform has today released a report recommending that prison officers are educated to degree level in order to better manage prisons and reduce reoffending rates. At present, prison officers undergo eight weeks training before taking responsibility for safety and security within a prison.
Call For Degree Educated Prison Officers
A charity for Penal Reform has today released a report recommending that prison officers are educated to degree level in order to better manage prisons and reduce reoffending rates. At present, prison officers undergo eight weeks training before taking responsibility for safety and security within a prison.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
