September 25, 2009: Ex-Forces Personnel In Prison And On Probation

Over 20000 ex-servicemen are either in prison, being supervised by the probation service, or on parole, according to a new study from probation union Napo. With around 8,500 ex-service personnel behind bars, they currently account for around 10% of the current prison population.

An estimated 12,000 ex-service personnel with criminal convictions are currently being supervised by the Probation Service (around 6% of the total).

Napo’s case histories of 90 ex-service personnel suggest that the majority are experiencing alcohol or substance misuse problems, with nearly half suffering from clinical mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorders. One in four stated that they suffered from post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), although these were sometimes undiagnosed.

The most common conviction was for domestic violence. The responses of probation staff in the survey indicate that much more needs to be done to address issues of substance misuse and domestic violence.

It has long been known that a significant number of personnel leave the services with debilitating conditions such as PTSD, as well as depression and anxiety disorders. While no statistics which specifically identify ex-service personnel within the criminal justice system are currently available from either the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Defence, the Napo survey clearly raises issues concerning the level of intervention and support available to ex-service personnel.

Napo assistant general secretary Harry Fletcher commented that the number of ex-service personnel in the criminal justice system was a matter of "grave concern”, adding that:

“There is overwhelming evidence that support is not available of sufficient calibre when soldiers leave the service."

"All efforts must be made to reduce the number of military personnel who are in the criminal justice system. There is a need to develop alcohol counselling and domestic violence programmes within the military setting as well as the community."

Napo’s study indicates that proportion of the prison population who are ex-service personnel has increased by over 30% in the last five years.

The charity Combat Stress supports ex forces personnel who have been traumatised by harrowing experiences during their services career.