January 31, 2008: Penal Policy Reform

A new package of measures aimed at tackling reoffending by getting prisoners off drugs and into work has been announced by Justice Secretary Jack Straw.  Details of the initiatives, which  were announced to Parliament via a written ministerial statement today, include:

• Work by Justice Minister David Hanson uto 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, 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.

The Justice Secretary commented:

'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 reoffending. 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.'