NCJ Number
160712
Date Published
1995
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the debate over concentrating maximum- security inmates in one or two prisons in Great Britain questions the desirability of a policy of concentration and recommends an independent review of the entire long-term prison system before a final decision is made.
Abstract
The case for concentrating these prisoners has always been highly controversial. Previous official analyses have revealed as many strong arguments against this idea as for it. It is important that the policy be informed by the lessons of past history in Great Britain and avoid the mistakes of other jurisdictions. Among the factors that the independent review should consider are the definition of the inmates to be held in the high-security prison proposed by Sir John Learmont, the probable numbers of such inmates, and the ages of these inmates. The review should also consider the possibility that empty places in such a prison might be filled with prisoners for whom such a high level of security is unnecessary, the management implications, the potential impact on family relationships due to the distance from inmates' home areas, the arrangements for the small number of female high-security inmates, research from other countries regarding recidivism, and costs and benefits in comparison with alternative options