NCJ Number
70179
Journal
Howard Journal of Penology and Crime Prevention Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (1980) Pages: 85-101
Date Published
1980
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The article examines the Jellicoe Committee's impact on the role and practices of Boards of Visitors in the British prison system since 1975, especially during the disturbances at Hull, Gartree, and Wormwood Scrubs.
Abstract
The Jellicoe Committee was set up jointly by Justice, the Howard League for Penal Reform and the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders in 1973. A review of the Boards of Visitors resulted in recommendations for their reform including abolition of the adjudication responsibility, establishment of a National Association, use of independent clerks, occasional private meetings, and increased responsibility to the public. Although the recommendation for abolishment of adjudication was rejected by the Home Office, other recommendations are being considered. Since the Jellicoe Report, three prison disturbances at Hull, Gartree, and Wormwood Scrubs have tested the Boards of Visitors systems in the area of disciplinary action and responsibility. The Board's actions at Gartree exemplified a professional and organized system of operations, especially in safeguarding the rights and interests of both staff and prisoners. An examination of future organization of Boards of Visitors should focus on the problems of the disciplinary role, increased responsibility to the public in the form of annual reports or representation of local authorities on the Boards, the effectiveness of individual members, and the improvement of relations with the prison department. Twenty-one references are included.