MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
News Release issued by The Government News Network on 31 January 2008
A new package of
measures aimed at tackling re-offending by getting prisoners off
drugs and into work has today been announced by Justice Secretary
Jack Straw.
The measures include:
* Justice Minister David Hanson undertaking work to draw up a
contract so in return for opportunities for offenders to learn new
skills the community will know what it can expect from those who
have committed a crime.
* The launch of a new drive to involve more employers, from the
corporate, public and voluntary sectors, in training offenders and
offering them employment.
* A drive against drugs which will cover both drug treatment
programmes in prisons and the control of drugs in prisons, and
will be jointly headed by two senior figures with relevant
experience in each area, who will be announced shortly. This will
also look at introducing more rigorous searches, including the
provision of more sniffer/search dogs.
* As well as stamping out the supply of drugs, the Government is
helping offenders kick the habit in prison. By April 29 prisons
will have introduced the Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS),
and with the Department of Health we will be extending this scheme
to a further 20 prisons over the next 12 months.
* Four more drugs courts, building on the success of current
pilots in West London and Leeds.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said:
"The announcements I am making today signal a major drive to
overcome some of the barriers to the rehabilitation of offenders.
Our primary aim in doing so is further to aid the work we are
already doing on cutting re-offending. These measures are focused
on tackling drug use among offenders and providing opportunities
for offenders to learn the new skills which might help them to a
life away from crime outside prison.
These announcements are framed by a sense of what the community
can expect from those who break the law. We will provide
opportunities for offenders to learn the skills, which will
present the hope of a new life upon release, but in return we will
set out what the community expects from those offenders who take
up these opportunities. I have asked the Minister of State for
Prisons, David Hanson to bring forward proposals for a new
"contract" between offenders and the community."
Notes to editors:
1. Details of the initiatives were announced to Parliament by the
Justice Secretary through a Written Ministerial Statement today.
2. A Briefing Paper 'Prison Policy' setting out
today's announcement has been published on the Ministry of
Justice website: http://www.justice.gsi.gov.uk
3. Lord Carter delivered his review of prisons to Government in
December 2007 and the Justice Secretary made a statement to
Parliament on the report.
ENDS