AC 3.2 - Instiutional Tactics in achieving Social Control

Question 1

Explain Rule Making as an institutional tactic (3 points)

Answer 1

• The Incentives & Earned Privileges system (introduced in 1995) is an essential for prison management
• It promotes conforming behaviour through rational choice
• Allowing people to earn benefits in exchange for behaving responsibly encourages prisoners to engage with planning and ensures a more disciplined & controlled environment, which is safer for staff & prisoners

Question 2

Rule Making: Within the Incentives & Earned Privileges system, what is each prisoner’s incentive level based on? (2 points)

Answer 2

• Good behaviour = higher level. Bad behaviour = lower level
• Whether they keep to the rules & take part in activities and their rehabilitation

Question 3

Rule Making: Give 3 examples of incentives that are available (3 points)

Answer 3

• Having a TV in the cell
• Earning more money
• Wearing own clothes

Question 4

Rule Making: Summarise the 3 levels of incentives, with an example (3 points)

Answer 4

• Basic: Those who haven’t abided by behaviour principles. Only given what is legally necessary. E.G: some letters & visits
• Standard: Those who abide by behaviour principles adequately. May be allowed more. E.G: TV in cells
• Enhanced: Those who demonstrate the behaviour principles to a consistent standard. Given the most luxuries. E.G: wearing own clothes

Question 5

Rule Making: How often are incentives reviewed? (3 points)

Answer 5

• Basic: After the first 7 days, then at least every 28 days
• Standard or above: At least once a year
• However, can be reviewed regardless if an incident occurs

Question 6

Rule Making: What should prisoners not do? (4 points)

Answer 6

• Behave in a way that may offend, threaten or hurt someone else
• Stop prison staff from doing their job
• Cause damage to the prison
• Ignore the instructions of staff

Question 7

Rule Making: What are the Punishments that are imposed if prison rules are broken? (4 points)

Answer 7

• Could receive a caution
• Privileges could be taken away for up to 42 days
• Up to 84 days worth of any money earned could be stopped
• Could be locked in a cell alone, away from other prisoners for up to 35 days - cellular confinement

Question 8

How does Rule Making help achieve Social Control? (2 points)

Answer 8

• Deterrence: individuals don’t want to face further punishment of losing privileges or freedom, and so are forced to conform to behaviour principles
• Internalisation: individuals are incentivised to display good law-abiding behaviour & disciplined for negative behaviour - positive boundary maintenance

Question 9

What are Staged Sanctions? (3 points)

Answer 9

• The police have staged disciplined procedures for dealing with offenders prior to court proceedings taking place. Involves a series of cautions & warnings
• They act as a second chance to allow the offender to admit guilt but without having to face court proceedings
• Similarly, the NPS allows 2 minor breaches of the community order to act as a warning before referring the matter back to court

Question 10

How do Staged Sanctions help achieve Social Control? (1 point)

Answer 10

• Fear of Punishment: the use of Staged Sanctions works based on the premise of the individual acknowledging their guilt & fearing facing a court procedure, and so are deterred from reoffending