Supplementary information supplied by
the Life Sentence Review Commissioners
CORRECTION OF MATTERS OF FACT IN THE ORAL
EVIDENCE OF THE LIFE SENTENCE REVIEW COMMISSIONERS
Q343 CHAIRMAN
In the course of his evidence Mr Smith expressed
the view that after the advent of Indeterminate Public Protection
sentences the number of prisoners in need of rehabilitation work
might increase by a factor of three or four. This view was based
on Mr Smith's erroneous estimate of the current number of life
sentenced prisoners.
Amended Response
Applying the correct number of life sentenced
prisoners (approximately 170) Mr Smith's estimate of the increase
in the number of prisoners requiring rehabilatition work might
be of the order of 100-150%.
Q360 DR MCDONNELL
In answer to Dr McDonnell's question re management
of mental illness ie anxiety/depression at the less severe end,
Dr Galloway has become aware that corrections should be made.
Amended Response
In "Out of Hours" situations there
is a nurse triage system available and the doctor on call can
be contacted. A supply of medication is held in the prison hospital
so that the matter can be dealt with at the time and does
not have to wait until the following day.
ADDENDUM TO THE ORAL EVIDENCE OF THE LIFE
SENTENCE REVIEW COMMISSIONERS
At Q381 the Chairman indicted that any
further information could be communicated through the Committee
clerk the following points are made in response to that invitation.
Response to Q360 Sammy Wilson
Psychologists have, pointed out that the aim
of Offending Behaviour Programmes for prisoners is to help them
to gain insight and achieve change. Insight is the vehicle which
enables change to occur. Change in attitudes, behaviours and skills
must be observed in addition to insight. If it can safely be done,
the way in which these programmes have contributed to reduce risk
should be tested in conditions of lower security.
Response to Q361 Dr McDonnell
The Prison Service in Northern Ireland has introduced
a scheme carrying out random drug testing of prisoners who voluntarily
agree to this. Those who test negative for drugs are granted credit
towards improved status in prison.
Response to Q362 Dr McDonnell
A recent study of lifers released on licence
for the first time in England and Wales between 2004 and 2006
indicated that those who were "stone cold sober" at
the time of the index offence, is had not consumed alcohol or
drugs in the previous 24 hours, comprised one-third. In other
words two-thirds had consumed alcohol or drugs.
Moya Cushley
Secretary to the Commissioners
18 July 2007
| 
