NCJ Number
74889
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Recommendations of the May Committee focusing on prison services in the United Kingdom are presented with similar proposals made on previous occasions by other committees.
Abstract
The committee, chaired by Mr. Justice May, was established to investigate the state of prison services and make recommendations regarding the resources, remuneration, allowances, working arrangements, and industrial relations machinery. The final report was published in 1979. This paper identifies several areas where past recommendations have been made in similar terms to those of the May report, thus emphasizing the lack of action over the years on many suggestions of great importance to the functioning of the prison system. The committee stresses the fact that mentally disordered offenders should not be imprisoned, and the prison department should fulfill its obligation to such persons by placing them in hospitals. Prison should be avoided as punishment for drunkenness; more determination should be shown in dealing with alcoholism, and local voluntary schemes should be encouraged. In addition, fine and maintenance defaulters should not be imprisoned. The committee recommends the establishment of the full work week with regard to working in prisons; efficiency in management should be improved. Rigorous education of all kinds should be expanded on a full-time basis. Alternatives to custodial remand should be encouraged, and defendants remanded in custody should be brought to trial as soon as possible. Furthermore, attention should be directed toward improving the working conditions and facilities for all staff. The role of prison officers should be extended in accordance with their expressed desires to undertake a wider range of duties. Efforts should be made to educate the public with regard to open prisons.