The UK Prison System Flashcards
What percentage of those found guilty are given immediate custody?
less than 10%
Symbolic Denunciation
public shaming, showing the public disapproval of criminal actions eg. by publically showing their pictures
What should be the only punishment of custody according to the Prison Act 1952?
Loss of Liberty
What is the duty of the Prison Service, according to their mission statement?
to look after prisoners with humanity and to help them lead law-abiding and useful lives in custody and after release
What factors contribute to funds being targeted towards security rather than rehabilitation?
poor conditions, overcrowding, understaffing
By what percentage has the prison population risen in 30 years?
87%
If crime rates are getting lower, what does that mean for the reason of increasing prison population?
stricter sentencing and harsher laws
By what percentage had in-prison assaults on staff increased in the 4 yrs leading up to 2017?
143%
What percentage of the prison population is BAME?
26%
What percentage of the prison population has learning difficulties or disabilities?
30%
What percentage of female prisoners report being abused?
53%
Give some examples of how drugs are often smuggled into prisons.
- by drones
- by visitors
- by post, including letters soaked in drugs
- in the bodily orifices of prisoners
What are the three ways of reducing the dangers of drug use in prisons?
- Reducing supply
- Reducing demand
- Risk prevention
What does Gresham Sykes argue happens to prisoners?
Institutionalisation: loss of identity leading to anxiety. A change of personality is needed to survive prisons
What are the reoffending rates for UK prisons?
50-70%, higher the shorter the sentence
