NCJ Number
96327
Date Published
1984
Length
53 pages
Annotation
The types of inmate disciplinary offenses considered and the punishments given by British prison boards of visitors were studied using a sample of 33 prisons and 933 offenses charged against 741 prisoners during the first half of 1982.
Abstract
The boards, established by the Prison Act of 1952, examine prison conditions and management, hear complaints and requests by prisoners, and adjudicate prisoners charged with the most serious offenses against prison regulations. This report on the boards' adjudication of inmate offenses not only considers the number and types of offenses as well as punishments dispensed, but also inmate pleas to the charged offenses. Escape from legal custody and assaults on a prison officer or another person were the most common charges. Punishments were assessed in most cases, with forfeiture of remission being the most common punishment. The boards differed from one another in their punishment practices, so further research on how the boards arrive at the severity of the punishments they award is recommended. Data tables and lists of disciplinary offenses are included. Seven references ar supplied.