12 June 2008
Four new prison workshops are being opened today by Justice Secretary Jack Straw as part of the government's drive to increase prisoner work programmes and partnerships with the private sector.
The workshops at Stocken Prison in the East Midlands will give prisoners the chance to learn job skills and the opportunity to begin a new life away from crime on release from prison.
Bricklaying, painting and decorating, and learning to refurbish and repair hire equipment for builders' merchant Travis Perkins are among the skills being taught in the workshops as part of a new prison expansion scheme at the prison.
The expansion, which also includes improved kitchens, stores, chapel, visits area, administration, healthcare facilities and accommodation for up to 184 more prisoners will also help meet the needs of an increasing prison population. Stocken have 86.5% of prisoners in full employment or training, and aim to bring this up to 100% by March next year. The prison has capacity to hold 806 prisoners.
Mr Straw also commended Stocken staff for their tough stance on tackling drug abuse. Recent results showed that less than 3% of prisoners tested positive for illicit drugs, significantly below the prison's target of 9%.
As part of the drug prevention initiative at the prison, managers and staff use search dogs to track down narcotics and detectors to find illicit mobile phones that are often used by convicted drug dealers to ply their trade inside. Prisoners under suspicion are put on a strict regime of closed visits, and are separated from visiting family and friends by screens so that they cannot touch. This approach and a new drugs unit that runs courses aimed at breaking the cycle of drug abuse has helped to drive down the positive drug testing levels encountered.
Speaking to staff at the prison during a visit today, Mr Straw said:
'Prisons are, as they should be, first and foremost places of punishment. We should not shy away from this nor hide behind euphemism. At the same time we must recognise that the public are not protected, nor the taxpayer best served, unless they are also places of reform and rehabilitation. This means supplying enough prison places; it also means providing a constructive regime which gives people on the inside the chance of a law abiding life on the outside. The work here at Stocken is crucial to that.'
Referring to plans for a new compact setting out the rules under which prisoners can earn privileges, he added:
'It is entirely consistent that prisons are places of punishment as well as reform. Yes, we want to see more opportunities for training, education, drug-treatment made available across the country. But with it must come responsibility and sanctions for those prisoners who fail to play by the rules.'
Mr Straw also hailed the work of staff at Stocken in tackling drug abuse:
'Drugs are a major factor behind criminal behaviour and I commend HMP Stocken and its staff for its tough stance on tackling drug abuse and the rehabilitative courses being offered to tackle drug addiction problems. Their hard word and dedication is showing results as fewer prisoners are testing positive for drugs.'
Notes to editors
1. HMP Stocken is a category C training prison with capacity to hold 806 prisoners. It was opened in 1985.
2. The Governor is Steve Turner. He has overseen the recent expansion, and been in post since 2005.