Ministry of Justice
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Offenders to commit to reform under new behaviour compacts

Offenders to commit to reform under new behaviour compacts

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE News Release (083/08) issued by The Government News Network on 10 July 2008

A new Compact outlining the level of behaviour expected from prisoners and offenders in the community is to be piloted, Minister for Prisons David Hanson MP announced to Parliament today.

Proposals for Offender Compacts, which require offenders to commit to rehabilitation or face the possibility of penalties, was first announced in the Ministry of Justice's Prison Policy Update paper in January.

The new Compacts will be piloted in three prisons and one probation area in the West Midlands and will emphasise that any advantages offenders receive must be earned through commitment, hard work, and delivery against the aims of their Sentence Plans. This will complement and build upon the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme currently used by prisons to maintain order and control and put consistency into requirements expected of offenders on probation.

A new 'End of Custody Report', linked to the Compact, will also be piloted for those serving custodial sentences of less than 12 months. These recognise positive behaviour and engagement in constructive activity, and can be presented to employers on release.

Minister for Prisons, David Hanson MP, said:

"As well as punishing offenders through prison and community sentences, we also give support opportunities to turn away from crime through education and training.

"But this is not a one way street. Offenders need to know that as well as being given the opportunity of rehabilitation they also have responsibilities which they must meet.

"It is vital that the public understands and has confidence in the basis on which offenders, especially those in custody, are granted access to certain privileges. Such privileges can and will be taken away if behaviour fails to meet certain standards.

"These new proposals will not only require offenders to demonstrate basic compliance, as is currently the case, but will now call on them to show commitment beyond this. They will be given set objectives and could also be asked to make reparation to the community."

Notes to editors

1. The pilots will take place in HMP Drake Hall, HMP Shrewsbury, HMYOI Brinsford, and a probation area in the West Midlands. They will begin on 21 July and will run for an initial six months with the aim of being rolled out across all prisons and probation areas in 2009.

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