Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
16 December 2003
Prison Service accused of 'racial discrimination'
The Prison Service has been accused of racial discrimination, according to the findings of a Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) investigation published today. The CRE probe uncovered "evidence leading to the finding of unlawful racial discrimination" and also catalogues 14 areas of failure uncovered by the investigation.
Prison Service accused of 'racial discrimination'
The Prison Service has been accused of racial discrimination, according to the findings of a Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) investigation published today. The CRE probe uncovered "evidence leading to the finding of unlawful racial discrimination" and also catalogues 14 areas of failure uncovered by the investigation.
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.
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.
24 September 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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
