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.
http://www.justice.gov.uk
ENDS