HM Inspectorate of Prisons

HM Inspectorate of Prisons

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant facts related to Prisons Inspectorate. Prison policies also often consider the potential for punitive measures to increase the shroud of secrecy associated with different types of concern in the prison. Databases are now used by correctional agencies in an effort to track and monitor prison and their activities. Not only can correctional agencies share information with each other on inmates who have been identified, but there is also the possibility of inter-agency information sharing, allowing police agencies to also be involved in the process. In this paper, the author will conduct a critical analysis on HM Inspectorate of Prisons report.

Discussion & Analysis

Prisons inspection in England and Wales dates back to the early nineteenth century, but the function was gradually absorbed by the Prison Commissioners. By the 1970s, inspection reports were criticized for their lack of independence and for being little more than internal, confidential reports to the commissioners' successor, the Prison Department. The current prisons inspectorate was established by the Criminal Justice Act 1982, once criticism of this lack of independent scrutiny reached a crescendo in the May Report (1979).

The post of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons was created as a Crown appointment rather than as a civil servant appointment to emphasize independence from the Prison Department and its successor, the Prison Service agency. The post-holder was barred from having worked in that service. Despite these important elements of independence, the inspectorate remains funded by the Home Office and answerable to the Home Secretary. Its influence, credibility and visible independence were, therefore, much dependent on its public profile and on displays of robustly independent reporting by successive chief inspectors, notably His Honour Judge Stephen Tumin, General Sir David (now Lord) Ramsbotham and the current post-holder, Anne Owers, CBE.

The inspectorate's legislative remit requires it to report to the Home Secretary in particular on the treatment and conditions of prisoners rather than to audit service efficiency or review governance and management effectiveness. This has led it to adopt an approach and methodology that are rooted in practical issues of humanity and decency, exploring the actual, rather than intended, outcomes for those in custody. This approach has been strengthened by the development of increasingly robust international human rights and penal norms - for example, the requirement on the UK to have independent inspection of places of custody under the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which came into force in June 2006.

Just as individual specialists have been recruited, so the five inspection teams have been required to specialize to increase consistency and professionalism. Thus, while prisoner numbers dictate that all teams inspect some adult male establishments, specialist women's, young adults', juvenile and immigration detention teams have been established. Individual inspectors are also expected to develop a policy interest and to take part in thematic inspections on particular topics, as well as cross-cutting reviews with other ...