NCJ Number
166361
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 6 Dated: (January-February 1997) Pages: 83-88,90-91
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
More severe corrections policies, inmate population increases, and budget cuts have created an uncertain future for the correctional system of England and Wales.
Abstract
The policy adopted in 1993 changed some rules on pretrial detention and created an atmosphere of tougher talk about crime. As a result the average daily inmate population increased by 9.5 percent from 1993 to 1994, and additional prisons are planned. During the same period, the number of correctional personnel has been reduced and further budget cuts have been announced. Nevertheless, tougher sentences are planned. Further problems are the disputes and scandals of the recent years. These include escapes and attempted escapes, the shackling to male correctional officers of female inmates sent to the hospital, and a reversal of some of the improved prison conditions and programs. The probable increased populations and reduced budgets in the next few years make it likely that different prisons will develop different mixes of solutions to their problems. Activities such as education and exercise will probably be reduced despite the harm involved, because they offer the most obvious option for short-term savings. 13 reference notes