Prison reform must not undermine inspectorate

22 Jan 04
The chief inspector of prisons has lent her support to the proposed restructuring of the prison and probation services, but warned that the independence of the inspectorate must not be compromised.

23 January 2004

The chief inspector of prisons has lent her support to the proposed restructuring of the prison and probation services, but warned that the independence of the inspectorate must not be compromised.

In her annual report, published on February 20, Anne Owers said she welcomed the 'holistic approach' adopted by the Carter Review, and subsequently the government, which placed greater emphasis on non-custodial sentences, such as fines.

However, Owers said she was concerned that the new structures might undermine the chief inspector's independence.

The report called attention to increasing pressures on the Prison Service, including overcrowding and a high rate of mental health problems.

The prison population rose by 9% last year. In the worst cases, prisoners spend 23 hours a day in a shared cell with an unscreened toilet.

'Although the best local prisons are working hard to sustain standards of humanity and respect, they are failing to deliver the opportunities that prisoners need to prevent re-offending,' Owers said.

PFjan2004

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