Penology in Jersey (Crown Dependency)
Jersey Prison Service
Penology in Jersey, a Crown Dependency, is characterized by a rehabilitative approach that emphasizes education, vocational training, and mental health support within its sole correctional facility, HMP La Moye. The States of Jersey Prison Service (SOJPS) operates with the mission of “Releasing Better Neighbours,” aiming to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.(gov.je)
🏛️ Institutional Framework
Facility: La Moye Prison, located in St Brelade, houses an average of 140 prisoners, with a capacity of up to 200. (gov.je)
Security: The prison accommodates all types of crime, security categories, age groups, and genders, providing a safe and secure environment for inmates and staff. (gov.je)
🔄 Rehabilitation and Education
Reducing Reoffending Strategy
La Moye implements a comprehensive strategy to reduce reoffending, focusing on seven key pathways:(gov.je)
Accommodation: Ensuring stable housing upon release to reduce reoffending risks.(gov.je)
Education: Offering educational courses, including literacy and numeracy, to enhance inmates' skills.(gov.je)
Employment: Providing vocational training and work opportunities within the prison.
Substance Misuse: Addressing alcohol and drug misuse through targeted programs.
Mental Health: Offering mental health support and therapy sessions.
Family and Relationships: Supporting inmates in maintaining family ties and relationships.
Attitudes and Thinking: Fostering personal development and positive behavioral changes.
These pathways are integrated with probation and aftercare services to provide continuous support. (gov.je)
Vocational Training
Inmates have access to various vocational courses, including:
Barbering: A Level 2 Diploma course run by Highlands College, enabling inmates to gain employable skills. (Bailiwick Express News Jersey)
Barista Training: Upcoming courses to equip inmates with skills for the hospitality industry.(ITVX)
Bike Workshop: A facility for inmates to learn bicycle maintenance and repair.
Jerrais Language Classes: Courses to preserve and promote the local language. (BBC)
🧠 Mental Health Support
Mental health is a significant focus at La Moye, with at least half of the prisoners affected by mental health issues. The prison has a Mental Health in Reach Team, including a consultant forensic psychiatrist and a senior psychiatric nurse. However, there is no secure psychiatric unit in Jersey, leading to the transfer of inmates requiring inpatient care to the UK. (Jersey Evening Post, Jersey Evening Post)
⚖️ Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Post-Release Supervision: The lack of mandatory post-release probation supervision for most adult prisoners has been identified as a potential risk to public safety. (ITVX)
Mental Health Care: The absence of a secure psychiatric unit in Jersey limits the ability to provide adequate care for inmates with severe mental health conditions. (Jersey Evening Post)
Staffing and Resources: While efforts have been made to over-recruit staff to reduce cell time, ongoing challenges remain in meeting the diverse needs of the inmate population. (Jersey Evening Post)
✅ Conclusion
Jersey's penological approach at HMP La Moye reflects a commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration. While there are notable successes in education, vocational training, and mental health support, challenges such as the lack of secure psychiatric facilities and post-release supervision need to be addressed to further enhance the effectiveness of the prison system.(BBC)
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