April 15, 2013
US and UK developments in correctional policy
From Catherine Latimer of John Howard:
I have been following with interest the evolution of corrections policy in the US driven by the ‘right’. There is an undeniable logic to the claim that root and branch reform to the justice and corrections system is needed. US prisons are seen as too expensive and ineffective at rehabilitating prisoners and protecting society. In the attached paper, Pat Nolan, a well known American conservative, argues for changes in corrections practice that would reduce its use and shift its focus toward more rehabilitation.
‘After giving prisons a blank check for three decades, many conservative leaders are applying their natural scepticism of large government institutions to the criminal justice system … If our prison policies fail half of the time, and we know that there are more humane, effective alternatives, then it is time to fundamentally rethink how we treat and rehabilitate our prisoners. We can no longer afford a business-as-usual approach to prisons.’
Pat Nolan, director, Justice Fellowship: The ‘conservative principles’ for corrections / justice reform focus on producing better outcomes both for the offender and for the community. They include:
•Reserve costly prison space for dangerous offenders
•Focus on reducing future harm
•Fill each inmate’s day with productive activities
•Facilitate victim–offender dialogue
•Match offenders with mentors
•Provide opportunities for community service and reparation
•Punish parole violations immediately
•Coordinate re-entry supervision and services.
Interestingly, many of these principles are consistent with the John Howard Society mandate supporting just, effective and humane justice and corrections. The attached paper suggests that these principles are spreading in the UK. Perhaps we should promote some discussion on whether similar principles should form the basis of corrections practice in Canada.
Documents from the Institute for Public Policy Research (UK): http://www.ippr.org/publication/55/10616/criminal-justice-reform-a-revolution-on-the-american-right Full IPPR report: http://www.ippr.org/images/media/files/publication/2013/04/criminal-justice-reform-american-right_Apr2013_10616.pdf
Stop Racism.ca – Jon Kelly
Aryan Brotherhood of Texas: How did neo-Nazi prison gangs become so powerful?
Allegedly responsible for three murders of prison officials who tackled the prison gangs as part of their jobs, the Aryan Brotherhood has been around US prisons since the 60’s and are now estimated at 20,000 members organized in five regions, each with a ‘general.’ http://www.stopracism.ca/content/aryan-brotherhood-texas-how-did-neo-nazi-prison-gangs-become-so-powerful
RT.com
‘Less-than-lethal rounds’ shot at Gitmo inmates resisting transfer to individual cells
After much controversy about human rights at Gitmo, a hunger strike has prompted a US military decision to remove the prisoners from communal cells to individual and likely solitary confinement cells. The recent events are at Camp 6 where 80-100 detainees are held and authorities say 43 are participating in the strike. Defence lawyers say close to all detainees are striking and 11 are currently being force-fed. http://rt.com/news/guantanamo-clashes-hunger-strike-820
Vancouver Sun-on-line – Brenda Morrison
A totem pole in honour of Dr. Liz Elliott
Carved by two federal inmates, Brenda explains the symbolism of the totem pole, a gesture of appreciation for the late Liz Elliott’s life of commitment to Aboriginals and RJ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7UNcpxAkI Link to Liz Elliott memorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=uJYQbME4QKk&feature=endscreen
Edmonton Journal – Craig Kielburger And Marc Kielburger
Teaching compassion in the classroom
Co-founders of Free the Children, the Kielburgers have concluded that a school can teach and promote compassion as a tool in reducing violence and gang behaviour. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Teaching+compassion+classroom/8242793/story.html