effects of imprisonment in the uk prison system

What is punishment in the context of criminal justice?

The infliction or imposition of a penalty as retribution for an offence.

What are the three main theories of punishment?

Retributionists (deliver punishments), Utilitarians (reduce reoffending and deterrence), Humanitarians (rehabilitation).

What are some different types of punishment?

Police caution, monetary fines, direct compensation to the victim/community, service to community, suspended prison sentences, prison sentences.

What is restorative justice?

A process that encourages the righting of wrongs done to victims, reflection by the offender on harmful behaviors, and methods of reconciliation and mediation.

What is the historical role of prisons in the 16th and 17th centuries?

Prisons were places for people awaiting trial and punishment, with very poor conditions including malnutrition, poor hygiene, disease, and maltreatment.

What was the 'Bloody Code' era in the UK prison system?

A period characterized by harsh punishments and transportation of offenders to British colonies, along with hard labor.

Who was John Howard and what reforms did he advocate for in the prison system?

John Howard was an advocate for prison reform who insisted on paid staff, outside inspection, proper diet, separation of men and women, and other necessities.

What significant change occurred in the mid-19th century regarding capital punishment?

Imprisonment replaced capital punishment for most serious offences.

What was the significance of Millbank Prison, built in 1816?

It was one of the first major prisons built during a period of prison expansion in the UK.

What did The Prison Act of 1898 accomplish?

It abolished hard labor, stating that prison labor should be productive and not harmful to prisoners' health.

What was established regarding young offenders in the 20th century?

Young people should be housed in separate establishments.

What was the first open prison in the UK and when was it built?

The first open prison was built in 1933.

What is the basic principle of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners?

No discrimination on grounds of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, and respect for the religious beliefs and moral precepts of prisoners.

What rights do prisoners have according to the UN Standard Minimum Rules?

Rights to books, religion, retention of property, and notification of death, illness, or transfer.

What are some issues associated with the UK Prison Service?

The notes did not specify, but issues may include overcrowding, lack of resources, and rehabilitation challenges.

What is the role of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in restorative justice?

Restorative justice processes may operate in parallel with the Criminal Justice System.

What is the purpose of punishment according to utilitarian theory?

To reduce the probability of reoffending and serve as a deterrent.

What does the humanitarian theory of punishment focus on?

Rehabilitation of offenders.

What types of offenders were imprisoned together in the early prison system?

Men, women, children, and all types of offenders.

What was the condition of prisons during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Very poor conditions with malnutrition, disease, and maltreatment.

What was the impact of the Prison Act 1898 on prison labor?

It mandated that prison labor should be productive and not harmful to prisoners' health.

What did Sir Alex Paterson mean by 'You cannot train a man for freedom under conditions of captivity'?

This statement emphasizes the need for rehabilitative environments for young offenders.

What is the mission statement of Her Majesty's Prison Service?

To serve the public by keeping in custody those committed by the courts, looking after them with humanity, and helping them lead law-abiding lives in custody and after release.

What is the prison population of England & Wales?

79,453 prisoners.

What are some contextual factors affecting the prison population?

Wartime, 2011 riots, and Covid-19.

What percentage of the prison population in Great Britain is BAME?

27%.

What percentage of male prisoners ran away from home as a child?

47%.

What percentage of female prisoners were excluded from school?

33%.

What percentage of prisoners have no qualifications?

52% of male prisoners and 71% of female prisoners.

What percentage of the general population is unemployed before imprisonment?

5%.

What percentage of the prison population is homeless?

32%.

What is the operational capacity of HMP Pentonville?

1,205 prisoners with 2 per cell.

What is the designed capacity of HMP Pentonville?

520 prisoners in single cells.

What are the rates of recidivism in the United Kingdom?

39%.

What happens during a prison sentence?

Rehabilitation programmes, induction and assessment, education, work, and resettlement.

What is the projected prison population for 2024?

88,521 people.

Why does overcrowding in prisons matter?

It can lead to inadequate living conditions, increased tension among inmates, and challenges in providing necessary services.

What percentage of male prisoners have two or more mental health disorders?

72%.

What percentage of female prisoners have two or more mental health disorders?

70%.

What is the percentage of reading ability at or below an 11-year-old level among prisoners?

67%.

What is the percentage of numeracy at or below an 11-year-old level among prisoners?

48%.

What are some key services provided to prisoners?

Medical services, food, exercise and sport, clothing and bedding, personal hygiene, and discipline.

What is the percentage change in the prison population for sentenced adult males?

1%.

What is the percentage change in the prison population for sentenced females?

11%.

What are common victims of prison homicides?

Cellmates

What is the effect of overcrowing

It leads to an increase in re-offending.

What psychological effects can prison overcrowding produce?

Psychological and physiological stress.

How many offences are committed in prison per year?

Over 100,000 offences.

What is the annual incidence of self-harm in prisons?

Approximately 7,000 incidents.

What percentage of suicides in prisons are remand prisoners?

57%, despite being only 19% of the prison population.

When do a quarter of prison suicides occur?

In the first week of imprisonment.

What is the average suicide rate in UK prisons?

About 2 per week.

How does the prison suicide rate in the US compare to the community?

It is four times as common in prison.

What is the homicide rate in prisons in the UK since 2005?

There have been 16 homicides.

How does the homicide rate in the US compare to that in the UK prisons?

The homicide rate in the US is about 10 times higher.

What are the findings of Towl (1996) regarding prison suicide?

Strategies include reducing remand prisoners and assisting those with suicidal thoughts.

What did Bukstel & Kilman (1980) find about prison crowding?

Crowding impacts personal functioning and can lead to adjustment problems.

What are the 8 central environmental concerns of prison inmates?

Privacy, Safety, Structure, Support, Emotional feedback, Social stimulation, Activity, Freedom.

What is the recidivism rate in Ireland?

70%.

What are some reasons for high recidivism rates?

Lack of financial resources, political climate, and recent development of effective treatments.

What does the phrase 'Nothing works' refer to in the context of prison interventions?

Interventions to reduce offending and reoffending are largely unsuccessful.

What were the findings of Redondo et al. (2002) regarding prison effectiveness?

A 22% differential in reoffending between treated and untreated offenders, with best outcomes for educational programs.

What did Smith, Goggin, & Gendreau (2002) conclude about prison terms?

Recidivism was not lower with prison terms or longer sentences.

What are some effective rehabilitation programs mentioned?

Cognitive skills programs, educational programs, and community treatment programs.

What is the significance of providing appropriate services in prison?

It can have a limited but significant impact on future crime.

What is the key to evaluating the effectiveness of psychological work in prison?

Not being too optimistic or too pessimistic about its value.

What are the components of effective prison rehabilitation?

Prison sentence, rehabilitation programs, induction and education, resettlement assessment, and work.