A GRADUAL slowdown in the number of offenders being sent to prison is to be welcomed. But the trend is still in the wrong direction, with an increase of 1 per cent in 2011, reflecting the committal of almost 14,000 people to jail, some of them on more than one occasion. Compared to the huge increase of 25 per cent in the number of jail sentences imposed between 2008 and 2010, however, it reflects a major shift in sentencing policy and in political attitudes towards relatively minor offences.
For years, getting tough on crime was regarded as a sure-fire vote getter. Successive governments introduced minimum sentence legislation and pressurised the judiciary into imposing stiff prison terms. Investment in prison facilities fell far short of what was required; rehabilitation services were reduced and gross overcrowding resulted. In order to cope with the surge in numbers, a “revolving door” policy emerged with minor offenders often spending only a day in jail.
Belatedly, the last government introduced legislation under which the incidence of imprisonment for debt was greatly reduced and community service – as an alternative to prison – was promoted. Last year, judges were required to consider community service as an alternative to imprisonment for relatively minor offences. Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has since brought forward an incentivised release plan for prisoners serving between one and three years who are not regarded as a threat to society.
In spite of these initiatives, the number of committals for unpaid fines continues to rise and amounted to almost half of all those sent to prison in 2011. A deduction of fines from income, or community service, would represent far more effective approaches. The court is required to distinguish between those who can’t pay and those who won’t pay in passing sentence and – clearly – a majority of those who chose not to pay believed they would benefit from a “revolving door” system. A deduction of fines from income, or community service, would represent more effective approaches. Concern has also been expressed about an increase in the number of women being jailed for short periods for minor offences. There was some good news in the Prison Service report. In particular, it noted good progress in dealing with overcrowding at Mountjoy Prison’s C wing and the provision of basic sanitary facilities. An extension to the Midlands Prison, due to be completed this year, will also reduce the incidence of overcrowding.