NCJ Number
197145
Date Published
2002
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the history of English dispersal prisons.
Abstract
Dispersal prisons have small units for difficult prisoners. The idea of dispersing or absorbing the highest security prisoners among the general population of a number of prisons with very secure perimeters was adopted by the English Labour government in 1968. This was based on the notion that separating and concentrating the most dangerous prisoners would lead to an explosive environment. Dispersal prisons were established with humanitarian aspirations but experienced more than a decade of sporadic but serious disorder. Constructive relationships between prisoners and staff and regular individualized reviews of progress were envisioned at the outset. The principles of self-respect, choice, variety, movement and the earning of additional privileges through work and cooperative behavior were essential. The essential elements of the dispersal policy were that difficult prisoners were “absorbed” into the general population, and that the regime was liberal. The early history of dispersal prisons is characterized by variation between regimes and considerable autonomy, as well as conflictual staff-prisoner relationships and fear. There were some concerns about the balance of power in these prisons as they evolved. Two sets of escapes from dispersal prisons brought to light a serious breakdown in the balance of power in maximum-security establishments. In 1995, the dispersal prisons were brought together under a single Director. This move has been very important in shaping policy and practice. Later, new policies were introduced, including a new mandatory drugs testing program and increased internal and perimeter security. Since the 1990's, the social order of the dispersal prison has broken down, with the population less organized. Staff is increasingly accountable and unofficial violence is rare. 57 notes, 75 references