AC3.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of agencies in achieving social control(prisons)

Question 1

What is the general view of the prison system?

Answer 1

Often seen as being in crisis
Some believe prison officers have lost control of inmates

Question 2

How do staff cuts affect social control in prisons?

Answer 2

• 2010–2018: 15% fewer officers due to budget cuts
• Makes it harder to control inmates

Question 3

How does overcrowding affect prisons?

Answer 3

58% of prisons are overcrowded
Causes frustration, more rule breaking

Question 4

Are rehabilitation needs being met in prison?

Answer 4

• No – issues like addiction, mental health, illiteracy often ignored
• Short sentences leave little time for support
• Inmates may leave unchanged and reoffend

Question 5

What role do drugs play in weakening control in prisons?

Answer 5

• Rise in use of New Psychoactive Substances (e.g. Spice)
• 1000x stronger than cannabis, cause serious mental health problems
• Linked to 64 deaths (2013–2016)
• Drug testing not effective due to staff shortages

Question 6

Are prisons safe places?

Answer 6

• No – rising assaults and suicides
• 2018:
• 8,400 assaults on staff
• 22,000 assaults on prisoners
• 5 homicides, 69 suicides, 47,000 self-harm cases (mostly female inmates)

Question 7

Have there been riots and disorder in prisons?

Answer 7

Yes – major riot at HMP Birmingham in 2016 (worst in 25 years)
• 2018: Riots at The Mount, Long Lartin, Bedford
• Poor living conditions and infestations were factors

Question 8

How common is reoffending among ex-prisoners?

Answer 8

37.5% of all ex-prisoners reoffend

Question 9

Are prisons secure places?

Answer 9

• Yes – few escapes from closed or open prisons
• Some breaches happen (e.g. drugs smuggled in by drones)