Menu
24/09/2008
Concerns Raised Over Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programmes
A new report on Dumfries prison raises concerns that sex offenders are not undergoing rehabilitation programmes because they deny having committed a crime.
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dr Andrew McLellan, also warns that keeping sex offenders and other prisoners separate occupies much of the available time for managing the prison.
Elsewhere in the report he praises both the pre-release programme for long-term prisoners and relationships between staff and inmates, but does comment that the prison's design is complex and causes problems.
"The problem of preparation for release is particularly acute with regard to those sex offenders who are held in Dumfries. It has been stated in previous HMCIP reports on Peterhead that sex offenders receive the worst preparation for release, despite being those prisoners of whom the public are most likely to be afraid," Dr McLellan said.
"In Dumfries the situation is particularly alarming. Since those prisoners, unlike most in Peterhead, do not admit their guilt, they do not prepare for their release in programmes designed to address their offending behaviour.
"So, when their sentence is ended, it is quite possible that nothing will have been done in prison to encourage them to change anything," he added.
In response to the report, Conservative justice spokesperson Bill Aitken called for a reassessment of rehabilitation provision.
"There is a difficulty for the Scottish Prison Service in that these individuals are denying their guilt, but I do think we have to consider putting all sex offenders on these programmes, irrespective of those denials. These programmes have proved valuable at Peterhead and there is a very strong case for making them compulsory.
"The frightening thing is that people who have not completed these programmes will be released in any case, because of the Scottish Government's unrelenting drive to empty our jails. So if we think the situation is worrying now, under the SNP's soft-touch Scotland it is almost certain to get worse," he added.
(GK/JM)
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dr Andrew McLellan, also warns that keeping sex offenders and other prisoners separate occupies much of the available time for managing the prison.
Elsewhere in the report he praises both the pre-release programme for long-term prisoners and relationships between staff and inmates, but does comment that the prison's design is complex and causes problems.
"The problem of preparation for release is particularly acute with regard to those sex offenders who are held in Dumfries. It has been stated in previous HMCIP reports on Peterhead that sex offenders receive the worst preparation for release, despite being those prisoners of whom the public are most likely to be afraid," Dr McLellan said.
"In Dumfries the situation is particularly alarming. Since those prisoners, unlike most in Peterhead, do not admit their guilt, they do not prepare for their release in programmes designed to address their offending behaviour.
"So, when their sentence is ended, it is quite possible that nothing will have been done in prison to encourage them to change anything," he added.
In response to the report, Conservative justice spokesperson Bill Aitken called for a reassessment of rehabilitation provision.
"There is a difficulty for the Scottish Prison Service in that these individuals are denying their guilt, but I do think we have to consider putting all sex offenders on these programmes, irrespective of those denials. These programmes have proved valuable at Peterhead and there is a very strong case for making them compulsory.
"The frightening thing is that people who have not completed these programmes will be released in any case, because of the Scottish Government's unrelenting drive to empty our jails. So if we think the situation is worrying now, under the SNP's soft-touch Scotland it is almost certain to get worse," he added.
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 September 2003
Multi-agency approach to dangerous criminals hailed
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) have made a "significant difference" to the way police and probation officers protect the public from the risks posed by dangerous offenders in the community, the Home Office has claimed today.
Multi-agency approach to dangerous criminals hailed
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) have made a "significant difference" to the way police and probation officers protect the public from the risks posed by dangerous offenders in the community, the Home Office has claimed today.
14 August 2006
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.
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.
03 April 2006
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.
03 April 2003
Community scheme set to rehabilitate young offenders
In a move which will alleviate pressure on prison governors, the Home Office is set to introduce a new scheme which will steer young offenders away from the rising jail populations.
Community scheme set to rehabilitate young offenders
In a move which will alleviate pressure on prison governors, the Home Office is set to introduce a new scheme which will steer young offenders away from the rising jail populations.
03 March 2010
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
-
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.
