As the Ministry of Justice prepares for potential summer unrest, it is expanding prison capacity by 700 places at HM Prison Highpoint and setting up ‘rapid deployment cells’ in existing prisons.
MoJ Readies Extra Prison Places in Case Summer Riots Happen Again
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is preparing for a potential repeat of last summer’s riots by expanding prison capacity. HM Prison Highpoint, located near Haverhill in Suffolk, is being expanded by 700 places.
The United States has experienced a significant increase in prison population over the past few decades, leading to widespread criticism of mass incarceration.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the country's prison population grew from 200,000 in 1972 to over 1.5 million in 2008.
This expansion is attributed to stricter sentencing laws, mandatory minimums, and a focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation.
As a result, many states are now reevaluating their correctional systems, exploring alternatives to incarceration and seeking ways to reduce recidivism rates.
This move comes after the justice minister, James Timpson, acknowledged that emergency measures introduced during the summer riots may not be needed again. The prisons and probation system was put under pressure when over 1,280 arrests were made during the unrest, which was sparked by ‘misinformation about the murders of three girls in Southport’.
To address capacity issues, hundreds of ‘rapid deployment cells’ are being set up in existing prisons. These makeshift secure rooms will provide additional space for inmates. Additionally, 350 cells that have been out of commission due to disrepair are being refurbished for use.
Prison overcrowding is a complex issue affecting many countries worldwide.
According to the United Nations, over 10 million people are incarcerated globally, with many prisons operating at more than double their intended capacity.
This leads to poor living conditions, increased violence, and reduced rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
In the United States alone, prison populations have grown by 500% since 1970, with California's San Quentin State Prison being one of the most overcrowded facilities, holding over 3,000 inmates in a facility designed for 2,800.
The MoJ‘s preparations are not based on specific intelligence warnings of further riots but rather a proactive approach to ensure the system can cope with any sudden increases in demand.
Expanding Prison Capacity and Reducing Recidivism
James Timpson, who has experience in training and employing former prisoners through his company Timpsons, believes that expanding prison capacity is only part of the solution. He emphasized the need for rehabilitation programs to help inmates acquire skills that can aid their transition back into society.
New ‘house blocks’ are being built at HMP Highpoint over the next two years, which will include workshops and educational facilities. These programs aim to teach prisoners valuable skills, such as railway maintenance, electronic recycling, and clothes recycling, with some courses offering guaranteed employment upon release.
Prison rehabilitation programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and improve inmate outcomes.
Research shows that inmates who participate in education, job training, and counseling programs are less likely to reoffend.
In the 'United States', for example, a 2019 study found that every dollar invested in prison education yields a seven-dollar return in reduced recidivism and improved community safety.
Effective rehabilitation also benefits society by reducing crime rates, saving taxpayer dollars, and promoting public safety.
However, despite these efforts, inmates at HMP Highpoint face long waiting lists for vocational courses, with some reporting that they cannot access training before their release.
Addressing Overcrowding Crisis
The MoJ‘s plans to increase prison capacity are a response to the overcrowding crisis inherited by the Labour government. The report by the prisons watchdog last year highlighted that too few Highpoint prisoners were attending purposeful activities or receiving adequate education and training.
Timpson acknowledged that there is a shortage of vocational opportunities in prisons, which has been exacerbated by the rise in the number of prisoners. Expanding courses and workshop options will require additional public funding, but the Ministry of Justice‘s budget is vulnerable to cuts due to its unprotected status.
The justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, recently disclosed plans to introduce ‘good behavior credits’ that could allow prisoners to earn their freedom through good conduct. This scheme is modeled after a similar initiative in Texas and aims to reduce recidivism rates by providing incentives for positive behavior.
- theguardian.com | MoJ readies extra prison places in case summer riots happen again
