No discernable progress

I thought readers of this blog would be interested in some highlights (or lowlights indeed) on how children and young adults are treated in the prison system, according to the latest annual report of the Chief Inspector of Prisons:
Children
Although there has been a drop in overall numbers, the number of children serving long term sentences [...]

February 24, 2010  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Inside prisons, Prisons, Uncategorized  No Comments

Lap dancing clubs and local powers

New powers for local authorities to refuse permission for a lap dancing club will be introduced in April. I think this is a welcome move for several reasons. I agree with Harriet Harman that local people should be able to decide for themselves if they want a sleazy club in the neighbourhood. It should be [...]

February 12, 2010  Tags: ,   Posted in: Government policy, Prisons  No Comments

Imprisoning charities

Yesterday morning I had a fascinating meeting with the Charity Commission about whether charities should manage prisons.  I went with Kevin Curley and others from NAVCA and met with Suzi Leather and her team.  We sought the meeting because we are concerned that two charities, Turning Point and Catch 22, have joined with Serco to [...]

February 3, 2010  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Government policy, Prisons, Public Services, Rehabilitation, Uncategorized  6 Comments

No fantasyland

The prisons inspectorate is publishing its inspection of a unit inside a prison that holds young girls – the Rivendell (yes, land of the elves) unit inside New Hall prison today.
Whilst the report is broadly favourable, it should be seen in the context of prisons being totally the wrong environment for young girls. The Howard [...]

January 29, 2010  Tags: ,   Posted in: Inside prisons, Prisons  No Comments

John Redwood on prison reform

I notice that John Redwood has suggested that burglars and car thieves should not be sent to prison but should pay compensation instead and that this would do more to help victims and achieve the government’s target of reducing prison costs. He makes the argument that victims are doubly victimised by having to pay the [...]

January 25, 2010  Tags: ,   Posted in: Sentencing  2 Comments

Crime and security bill

Two things today related to the crime and security bill currently going through Parliament.
On Monday this week clause 41 of the crime and security bill sailed through the house of commons virtually unopposed. Just over a week since the bi-partisan justice select committee had stated plainly:
“Prison is a relatively ineffective way of reducing crime for [...]

January 21, 2010  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Government policy, Police  One Comment

A new face at the top

Phil Wheatley, director general of the national offender management service (NOMS), has announced he is to retire later this year.  I wish him well in his retirement.
This offers a tremendous opportunity for change in the criminal justice system.  A new person at the top could inject some energy into a programme of reform based on [...]

January 18, 2010  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: Government policy, Prisons, Public Services  One Comment

The Archers and prison visits

The Archers prison based storyline is interesting at the moment because it is focusing on the problems that families face. Matt Crawford is serving a sentence for fraud and spent a few weeks initially in a local prison. His partner, Lilian, had terrible problems finding out when she could visit and what she could send [...]

December 16, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Inside prisons, Prisons  4 Comments

A story

I thought I might tell you a story.  Once upon a time there was a man who did something bad, very bad. It was a once in a lifetime explosion of anger, and he killed the person he loved.
His penalty was a life prison sentence.  He served the years, many years, many many years.  As [...]

December 12, 2009  Tags:   Posted in: Inside prisons, Prisons  5 Comments

Pre-budget report

The pre-budget report yesterday included indications of significant cuts in public expenditure, and whilst health and education, quite rightly, looks likely to avoid the worst effects of the economic downturn, the penal system is going to be a victim. The chancellor said that he would protect front line policing and that is the largest part [...]

December 10, 2009  Tags:   Posted in: Government policy, Prisons, Public Services  One Comment