Independent Inspection - The Role of the Boards of Visitors (From Accountability and Prisons, P 124-137, 1986, Mike Maguire et al, eds. See NCJ-100462)

• NCJ Number: 100467
• Author(s): J Vagg
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Methuen, Inc
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After describing the functions, constituency, and powers of Britain's Boards of Visitors (an independent board that assesses prison conditions), this study evaluates their effectiveness.

Abstract

Boards of Visitors oversee prison conditions and inmate treatment through facility inspections and report to the Home Secretary. The 115 boards typically have 12 to 16 members. Forty-three percent of the 1981 membership consisted of magistrates. The boards assess prison conditions, hear inmate complaints, and conduct certain disciplinary hearings. Although the boards have access to prisons, inmates, and prison records, they have no executive powers and rely upon influencing prison authorities to make recommended changes. Influence includes direct access to the Home Secretary. The influence of the boards is fragmented because each reports separately to the reports. Boards cannot make their reports public, and they operate without uniform standards for assessing all prisons. Boards should consult with one another about general prison conditions and speak with a unified voice to the Home Secretary. Boards should also be permitted to make their reports public and adopt standards for prison performance. 1 note.