Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 179
179
Deferred
Require balancing prisoner punishments with mandatory drug treatment referrals and resourcing consistent adjudications
Recommendation
We recommend that punishments, such as the loss of privileges, are balanced with a mandatory referral to drug treatment services. This ensures that individuals are held accountable while also directed towards the support they need to break the cycle of addiction. We also recommend that the Earned Progression model is accompanied by a clear, measurable plan to ensure every prison has the necessary resources and staff to apply drug-related adjudications fairly and consistently, thereby making the threat of added time to their sentence a genuine deterrent. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73) Ingress routes and countermeasures to reduce the supply
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response outlines measures to prevent and detect illicit mobile phones and contraband, including new mobile phone capabilities and updated operational guidance, rather than addressing the balance of punishment with drug treatment referrals or resources for drug-related adjudications.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
In line with our response to recommendation 3, and having carefully considered the Committee’s advice, we are content that the existing adjudications policy provides Governors with appropriate discretion to award suspended punishments if the prisoner engages with rehabilitative measures where appropriate, such as drug and alcohol treatment. Governors will be best placed to determine the appropriate response, which will also depend on the individual’s suitability and readiness to engage with treatment. This does not preclude referrals to treatment and support outside of the adjudications process, and any patient identified as under the influence is automatically referred for a next-day urgent appointment with a drug and alcohol worker. However, we recognise the need for improvements within the adjudications process and system, and actions to achieve this are underway as part of implementing the Earned Progression Model. This model allows an Independent Adjudicator to extend a prisoner’s time in custody on account of their poor behaviour, including in serious drug-related cases. Within this, we are strengthening sanctions through secondary legislation, to double the maximum additional days that can be awarded for a single incident, from 42 to 84. Prisoners will serve these extra days beyond their statutory release point, and staff are being upskilled to ensure the adjudications process is being applied fairly and consistently. Chapter 4: Ingress routes and countermeasures to reduce the supply
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