Vocal Voices

What the hell is going on in our prisons?

Is taking on more wardens going to solve the present problems? I don't think so.
Who would wish to take on a job like that anyway?

The root cause of the current situation is that we are too damn lenient with prisoners.
Prisoners should be kept behind bars most of the time. Prison is supposed to be a form of punishment, not a blinking holiday camp. No wonder so many prisoners re-offend when released. Conditions should be so harsh that, when released, prisoners would vow never to wish to return. If this was the method used, then perhaps shorter sentences would be appropriate. And what's all this nonsense about letting some of them have days of freedom, and then expressing surprise when they don't return? The 'do-gooders' who recommend this sort of treatment want their heads examined.

I have two family members who work in the prison service, and I know two people who have been to prison. They are all of the opinion that prison should be a mix of carrot and stick. They all also say that there is too much carrot.

Prisoners should be in the simplest and pocket-less uniforms. If uniform is good enough for the guards it is good enough for the prisoners. They should have a structure, one which is followed day in and day out. They should also have free time, just like the rest of us. And they should also have the opportunity, if they want to take it, to be trained up to standards for the world of work - and I do not mean shelf stacking or the likes.

Prisons should also get away from segregation on the lines of religion or race. This promotes the gang culture prison officers are so concerned about. When it comes to drink or drugs prisoners should be subject to the same random tests you or I could be subject to. Many organisations use these tests as a matter of course, there is no reason why prisoners should not be subject to them as well.

Prisons should not be hell, but nor should they be holiday camps.

Staffing levels are ridiculous - two warders to unlock 100 prisoners was quoted on the news yesterday :/ How can that be safe?