Titan prisons to be rebranded as ‘cluster jails’
Controversial “Titan prisons” proposed by the Government to ease jail overcrowding have met with such widespread opposition that ministers are considering changing their name in a “rebranding” exercise.
Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, last year announced plans for a network of three US-style extra-large jails, each housing around 2,500 prisoners.
But the idea has been criticised by the chief inspector of prisons, offenders’ charities and opposition parties, while the Prison Officers’ Assocation has warned that it would be difficult to maintain order in such large jails.
Internal Whitehall documents, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, reveal that the Ministry of Justice is considering dropping the “Titan” name because it may send out the wrong message. Instead, the planned jails could be renamed “cluster prisons”.
By Ben Leach – Telegraph.co.uk
31 Aug 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2651123/Titan-prisons-to-be-rebranded-as-cluser-jails.html
Prison radio to cost taxpayers £2million
The government is planning a radio station exclusively for the entertainment of Britain’s prisoners, which will cost taxpayers £2million, according to reports.
The service would broadcast shows 12 hours a day to 140 prisons in England and Wales if the Ministry of Justice approves the idea.
The Prison Service, which came up with the scheme, claims the £2million need to start up the station would be raised from existing budgets. It has been dubbed ‘con air’ like the Nicholas Cage film.
A charity might also contribute to running costs, it is thought.
Telegraph.co.uk 20th January 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/4293852/Prison-radio-to-cost-taxpayers-2million.html
Is prison life too soft?
Prisons have become so comfortable that some offenders prefer to stay on the inside rather than face life outside, a prisons officers’ leader said yesterday.
Inmates themselves have admitted conditions are like those at holiday camps, with satellite television and video game consoles on offer as well as free bed and board. Prisoners also receive wages and cash bonuses for good behaviour, while drugs are cheaper in jails than they are on the streets.
Nick Herbert, the Shadow Justice secretary, said: “It is time for a fundamental shake-up of our failing prisons system.” What do you think?
Are British prisons too soft? What would our prisons be like if you were in charge? Should prisoners be denied television and other amenities or is the isolation from family and lack of personal freedom punishment enough?
Should prisoners who behave well earn rewards? Where should we draw the line between punishment and rehabilitation?
Telegraph.co.uk – Debate / Comments
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/yourview/1905125/Is-prison-life-too-soft.html
Prison ’so cushy inmates won’t escape’
Inmates enjoy such comfort in jail that they are ignoring chances to escape, a prison officers’ leader has claimed.
In one example, a drug dealer regularly broke into a Yorkshire jail over a six-month period, using a ladder to climb the walls and supply inmates with drugs and mobile phones.
The intruder walked across the yard with the ladder and used it to climb up to a cell window, which had been pulled apart with a crowbar and covered by a dummy grille.
Glyn Travis, the assistant general secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association, said: “It was an extraordinary case because none of the prisoners inside tried to escape when no doubt they had the opportunity.
By Richard Edwards, Crime Correspondent, Telegraph.co.uk
25 Apr 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1903030/Prison-so-cushy-inmates-wont-escape.html
Futures Unlocked
For many of the inmates a new life is wanted on the outside of a prison. They want to start again, make a new life for themselves and their families and put something back into community.
The reality is that however positive they are inside, the chances of living a crime-free life can be difficult.
The challenges are immense. Friends, family, society are expecting them to fail.
We have a different approach as we want them to succeed in life, staying crime free, drug free, and living a life to be proud of.
Capacity Building
Does Prison Work? The Guardian
The Guardian’s prison columnist, Erwin James , reflects on the lessons of 16 years under lock and key in an article written on Monday January 29 2001.
(JC: interesting to note the prison population seven years ago and how the tabloid headlines are still saying the same things)
“Almost 63,000 people live behind bars in Britain, about the same number as live in Guildford. They are locked up in our name, yet we know remarkably little about the life they lead. Are we too hard on our criminals – or, as the tabloid headlines frequently suggest, too soft? And more importantly: does prison ever work?”