NCJ Number
76439
Date Published
1980
Length
41 pages
Annotation
The operation of British prisons in three areas of prisoner supervision are examined: physical security and order, establishing a sense of justice in prison affairs and care for the mental states of prisoners.
Abstract
It is stated that the prison system has performed well in guaranteeing the physical safety of inmates both from other prisoners and from staff. Inmate assaults on each other are low, as are staff. Inmate assaults on each other are low, as are staff assaults on inmates. Reports on the former category of assaults in the latter area is even more often concealed and difficult to estimate. Despite some prison system actions in the area of internal justice which have been negative, the trend has been for prison officials to place more emphasis on fair administration. Adjudication activities have improved; however, the parole decisionmaking process requires improvement. The system has been least successful in caring for the mental health of inmates. Separation from family and friends and censorship of communication contribute to inmate's sense of isolation. The impact of the European Convention on Humane Rights and Council of Europe's Standard Minimum Rules for prisoners are described. Detailed standards for improving inmate supervision practices are given.