Reducing re-offending

Veteran Offenders - Government figs in Doubt

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:27:00 +0000

An official Defence Analytical Services and Advice (MoD) and MoJ report was published on 25^th January 2010 describing the percentage of prisoners in England and Wales who are former Armed Forces personnel (veterans). The report suggested that 3.5% of this prison population are veterans. These figures have now been put in question by Dr Keith Horsted, Director of the Saraswati Project, an International Research Company.

Dr Horsted says that the government’s figures fail to acknowledge other countries where veterans may be imprisoned (Scotland, Northern Ireland or elsewhere). It therefore does not reflect the overall percentage of UK veterans in the prison system. He goes on to describe that: -

The figures are simply an estimate of the matches between a MoD database of service leavers and a MoJ database of prisoners at that time. Importantly, the MoD database is incomplete as it does not have information of service leavers from the Army, Air Force and Navy prior to 1973, 1969 and 1979 respectively

The figures are also a snapshot of the two databases on 6^th November 2009 – they do not reflect any trends throughout a given period of time or an indication as to the overall number of veterans entering and leaving the prison system.

The figures do not include reservists or female service leavers.

6.8% of the figures did not include a rank in their entry and therefore fail to provide accurate figures by rank.

Missing service leavers are not included in the detailed figures relating to offence or period since leaving the Service.

Only 22% began their sentence within 5 years of leaving Service, suggesting that the majority of the offences occur post 5 years of leaving the Service.

Dr Horsted suggests anecdotal evidence from various prisons indicate that numbers are much higher and that official figures are not sufficiently robust to be used with any degree of confidence.

Some prisons have reported between 10% - 14% of their prisons are veterans. Similar issues exist with number of veterans on probation. Critically, it is clear that veterans represent the largest single employment group within the justice system and that, in respect of the Military Covenant, the UK is seriously failing many of its former military personnel and their families.

There is an urgent need to conduct more detailed research and to provide an alternative to prison and probation for those who in many cases have risked their lives for their country.

If ever in doubt!

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:39:00 +0000

If ever anybody was in doubt about the work of our military in Afghanistan, please take a look at this short film - about 45 Commando Royal Marines .

Having done so, please go on to remember the impact that combat has had on so many of our troops, including those who have been imprisoned! Remember the Military Covenant? To imprison our veterans surely cannot be right!

Reducing Re-offending by Veterans - Failing the Military Covenant

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:14:00 +0000

Insider information suggests that the current Prison Service National Offender Management Information System is flawed as not all assessments are including data on veterans on reception into the prison system. This is apparently down to lack of staff and time restraints.

"HM Prison Service is well aware of the high numbers of Veterans in the prison system, but a state of denial is being maintained as there are far reaching issues and ramifications if they lift the lid on this can of worms"!

Although some prisons have instigated veteran support groups, Michael Spur (Head of NOMS) has directed that Veterans will not be given any priority treatment whilst in the prison system. This decision fails to acknowledge the special needs and circumstances of veterans, particularly those suffering with combat related mental trauma and depression, often years after leaving the military. Only those who have personal experience of high intensity combat can understand the damaging impact this can have.

When will the PM and other Ministers recognise the special needs of veterans and the nation's failure to apply the Military Covenant? Having put their lives on the line for their country, veteran offenders and their families deserve better.

Reducing Re-offending - Children in Care

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:24:00 +0000

Statistics published by the Department for Education in September 2011 show that there are over 65,000 children in care, an increase of 5,000 in the last decade, while the number of adoptions has declined.

The report goes on to describe how children in the care of local authorities are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. The proportion of care leavers not in education, employment or training increased to 33 per cent in 2011. Furthermore, looked after children are more likely to suffer emotional or mental health problems, with estimates between 45 to 60 per cent compared to 10 per cent of children on average.

As part of a renewed focus on looked after children, the government is supporting local partnerships to develop a range of intensive cost effective and evidence-based interventions for children in care or custody.

Let us hope that this renewed effort will also see increased support for those children with parents already in the Justice system. By investing in the rehabilitation of parents we will generate savings in the ongoing costs associated with children in care.

Reducing Re-offending by Military Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:19:00 +0000

In 2010 the MOD and MoJ suggested that 3.5% of the prison population were military veterans. Similar percenatges were seen within Probation Trusts, bringing the total in the justice system to approximately 9,000. Of note, many individual prisons are now reporting between 10% and 14% of their prisoners are veterans, with Probation Trusts reporting increasing numbers on community orders.

Whichever figures are correct, if seen against the more general throughput of offenders into and out of the system over any given year, veterans represent the largest single occupational group within the justice system. When recognising the Military Covenant, where the country has pledged to care and support our veterans and their families, this surely cannot be seen as right or justifiable. Those who defend our country and put their lives on the line, deserve better. Rightly we provide considerable support to those wiith physical injuries, yet those with mental health and other issues receive little help.

The impact that this has on veteran families can be profound, often resulting in family breakdown, increasing social costs and children in care. These children go on to become amongst the most vulnerable groups in society, and are themselves more likely to suffer mental health problems, achieve less academically and be exposed to future criminality and unemployment.

Ken Clarke has called for a 'Re-habilitation Revolution' in the justice system. Veterans must be a priority group.

PRT - Talking Justice: Talking Sense

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0000

The prison population of England and Wales is now 88,000, the largest ever!

The Prison Reform Trust has launched this new film explaining why we should reduce the use of prison if we want to reduce re-offending
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j3-jzUP_N7E

Veterans in the Justice System - RSA Comment

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:21:00 +0000

Having marked Remembrance Day, it is time to turn our attention to those veterans who suffer mental ill-health. Military veterans are over represented in the criminal justice system. Recognising how so many have risked their lives for their country, this situation flies in the face of the spirit enshrined within the Military Covenant and demands change - see RSA Comment -http://comment.rsablogs.org.uk/2011/11/04/justice-system-military-veterans/ .

Further information can also be seen at http://www.lifechangeuk.com/supporting-the-military-covenant/ .

By providing an alternative to custody, we can reduce the likelihood of re-offending and enable veterans to regain their sense of pride and self-worth.

Please pass to all those who you believe might be able to assist.

Veterans in Prison - Failing the Military Covenant

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:36:00 +0000

Over 11,000 Veterans are estimated to be in Prison, with many others on Probation. When will society start to demand change and an increase in the much needed alternative for our Veterans and their families?

Having put their lives on the line for their country, they surely deserve better!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neEXabWsJvc&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Akfvp5GlM&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK7svcKCAcQ&feature=player_embedded

Make Justice Work - National Enquiry - Community or Prison - 2011 Final Report

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:47:00 +0000

This report clearly sets out the benefits of community sentences as a means of reducing re-offending. It is now time to make the shift in investment from prisons to community based sentencing. The longer we delay, the more money and lives we will waste!

Read the report here

A change of Ethos and Delivery - Short-term Prison Sentences vs Community Sentencing

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:57:00 +0000

Ken Clarke's article in the Guardian today brings further hope that we are beginning to see the light and recognise the need for change in the way we deal with the majority of offenders. Let us hope his words become reality.

The 2002 Social Exclusion Report, ‘Reducing Re-offending by Ex-prisoners’ provided a comprehensive insight into the causes of crime and how to reduce re-offending. Sadly, little has been done to implement the recommendations that followed that research. Indeed, many people within the CJS have not even read it. Consequently, we are now facing even greater challenges, with the recent riots in our cities and the associated crimes re-emphasising what was previously learned.

The riots have however promoted new energy into the debate and we must be hopeful that something positive will arise. Importantly, it is clear that what we have been doing has not worked and as Rita Mae Brown wrote in her book, ‘Sudden Death’, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results”. Change is urgently required.

When considering offending behaviour it is essential that we go back to basics and ask the fundamental question – ‘why do people behave as they do’? Whilst the basic answer is relatively simple and well researched, addressing it is a complex issue. Behaviour is a reflection of our individual thoughts and feelings, all of which stem from our personal experiences in life and the environment in which we have grown up.

Changing the thoughts and feelings inevitably leads to a change in behaviour. Yet, for those who offend, rather than attempt to promote change, by default we have tended to re-enforce the existing negative situation – ‘you are a bad person and worthless. You will never achieve anything in life and every time you make a mistake we are going to punish you, exclude you and lock you up’!

I am not suggesting that the consequences of committing crime should not include some form of associated punishment. I am however suggesting that those consequences and punishment need to include new and positive experiences that serve to promote the fundamental change in personal ‘thoughts and feelings’. Without this, the behaviour will remain unchanged. If we reflect upon our personal lives and ask some key questions, we start to recognise what is actually needed –

Where would we be now had we not grown up in a safe and caring environment?

How would we have been had we not been given boundaries and taught standards in behaviour (right and wrong) and social values?

What would have happened to us if our family and others had not been there to support us during our times of need?

Where would we be without the ability to read, write, communicate and manage our personal affairs?

Had we been abused and left to fend for ourselves, how would we be now?

Had we not been given the opportunity to undertake positive and enjoyable experiences, how would we feel now? What would our sense of self-worth be like?

Thoughts / Feelings / Behaviour

Maslow’s hierarchy of basic human needs is an excellent example of how, from the most basic requirements of food, water and shelter, through to what he described as security, a sense of belonging, self-esteem, self-worth and self-actualisation, our personality and needs develop. The majority of offenders have rarely experienced the higher levels of need; they have simply missed out on what most of us take for granted. Consequently, they are unable to relate to them or understand what they mean. As for punishment, most offenders have been punished so much during their lives they simply do not care, and often do not care that they do not care.

Prison, by its very nature and infrastructure is not conducive to delivering the positive changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviour that an offender needs and society demands. Unfortunately, many people see Community sentences as a soft option and, to be fair, some are not as mentally challenging and constructive as they could be; that is not to say they cannot be improved. Importantly, because they are not constrained by the custodial environment, Community sentences can provide numerous opportunities for exposure to new and positive experiences, experiences that many offenders have never been helped to undertake or considered – an appreciation for life outside their immediate environment, success, a sense of self worth, social contribution and personal responsibility, all of which enable an offender to recognise that their life can be very different.

Such provision requires a fundamental change in ethos and approach, including the employment of people with appropriate confidence, leadership, life skills and belief to deliver it. Such people also provide the role modelling so often missing in an offender’s life. Whilst there is clearly a cost in terms of time and money, the outcomes and overall reduction in re-offending can provide a net return that is undoubtedly worth the investment, including the promotion of improved values and standards, increasing inclusion and a reduction in selfishness and fear of crime.

Meaningful Community sentences can be more effective than short-term prison sentences.

Research 2010 Crime & Ex-service Personnel .pdf (application/pdf Object)

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:42:00 +0000

Research 2010 Crime & Ex-service Personnel .pdf (application/pdf Object)

This is a well considered piece of research explaining why so many Military Veterans are ending up in the Justice System; it is clearly a complex issue. Critically, having risked their lives for their country, under the Military Covenant they and their families deserve better - an alternative to Custody and Probation that will also reduce the likelihood of future re-offending. Will we take on this responsibility? A new partnership is attempting to do so, but still requires support - http://www.lifechangeuk.com/supporting-the-military-covenant/ can you help?

Why I Hire Former Convicts and Gang Members | LinkedIn

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Why I Hire Former Convicts and Gang Members | LinkedIn

If this example of visionary leadership were to be replicated, we could reduce re-offending and the number of long term unemployed.

‘Better’ policing beats factors like imprisonment in keeping U.S. crime rates down,

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Law Enforcement and Security Consulting Group News | LinkedIn

More food for thought as we reflect and examine what is happening on our streets and in our communities!

Reducing Re-offending - The need for Change

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:38:00 +0000

eGov monitor - A Policy Dialogue Platform | Promoting Better Governance

In a time of enormous financial austerity, this article again reminds us of the financial and human costs of short term prison sentences and the urgent need for change and a move to community based alternatives. Will the Justice Minister be given the support to implement the necessary changes that he once advocated?

Reducing Re-offending Through Skills ... - Google Books

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:49:00 +0000

Reducing Re-offending Through Skills ... - Google Books

Yet more evidence to show that punishment by itself fails to reduce re-offending. Rather there is a need to invest time and resources into providing offenders with the skills and personal confidence that most of us take for granted, enabling them to change their thoughts, feelings, behaviour and belief in themselves. The process of course requires a fundamental shift in approach and philosophy to the task. Will the Ken Clarke be supported in his efforts to make the changes possible?

Bromely Briefings - Fact File June 2011 web.pdf (application/pdf Object)

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Fact File June 2011 web.pdf (application/pdf Object)

All you need to know regarding prison numbers and other facts related to prisons in England and Wales.

The 'Veterans Change Partnership' - addressing the needs of Veteran Offenders

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:54:00 +0000

Readers of this blog will have noted our efforts to raise awareness regarding military veteran offenders. Regrettably, the number of veterans who are becoming involved in the Criminal Justice System is continuing to rise. Others are sleeping rough and becoming dependant on drugs and alcohol. There are many reasons for this, not least family breakdown and an inability to settle back into civilian life following repeated combat experience and associated trauma.

The 'Veterans Change Partnership' is being developed to offer specialised programmes of rehabilitation, training, support and preventative work for veteran offenders. With each partner providing a blend of specialist knowledge, skills and provision, the programme will enable a reduction in recidivism with access to employment. Considerable work has been undertaken and more information can be seen at http://www.lifechangeuk.com/supporting-the-military-covenant/

As part of the project, the partnership is now seeking financial support through a Social Impact Bond and is keen to hear from anybody who might wish to be involved. More information is available from Trevor Philpott - trevor.philpott@lifechangeuk.com

YouTube - ‪HOMELESS VETERANS ON THE STREETS OF AMERICA‬‏

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:14:00 +0000

YouTube - ‪HOMELESS VETERANS ON THE STREETS OF AMERICA

This news item describes the veteran homeless situation in the USA. Here in the UK we are facing similar shame - 12% of London's homeless are veterans, many are committing crime in order to survive. If we are to reduce the levels of offending and re-offending and look after the families of our veterans, more effort must be made to implement and uphold the values enshrined within the Military Covenant. ‬‏

Homeless vets: Does anyone care? - 60 Minutes Overtime - CBS News

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:14:00 +0000

Homeless vets: Does anyone care? - 60 Minutes Overtime - CBS News

This link to a CBS News programme highlights the increasing levels of depression and mental illness amongst US veterans and how one state is helping its homeless veterans to get their lives in order, all of which is serving to reduce re-offending and enable positive personal change.

Here in the UK, it is estimated that 12% of the homeless in London are military veterans. Is our military covenant really making a difference to those veterans who have fallen upon bad times and who face difficulties with depression? How many more of our veterans will we place in prison?

Prison Reform Trust Bromley Fact File June 2011 web.pdf (application/pdf Object)

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:11:00 +0000

Fact File June 2011 web.pdf (application/pdf Object)

This link takes you to the Prison Reform Trust Bromley Briefings Prison Fact File. All you need to be up to date with the facts on prisons in England and Wales.

San Diego County - Military Veterans Court System

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:54:00 +0000

The US State Court system is increasingly recognising the growing number of military veterans who, following combat trauma, are entering the justice system. Aganist this background new proceedures are being introduced to support and divert veteran offenders. Courts are now focussing upon rehabilitating veterans through positive case management instead of jailing them.

Recognising the UK's Military Covenant, I am left wondering how long it will be before similar initiatives are introduced in the UK?

The following report by Rick Rogers - For the North County Times North County Times | Posted: Friday, January 21, 2011 12:00 am outlines the situation in San Diago.

Report -

With a stroke of his pen Wednesday, Superior Court presiding Judge Kevin Enright approved what's technically known as the Veterans Treatment Review Calendar, a pilot program born of years of planning and consensus building.

The first cases are set for Feb. 4 in San Diego before Judge Roger W. Krauel, a Vietnam veteran who spent 35 years in uniform. A San Diego judge since 199l, Krauel will spend one day a week concentrating on veterans' cases from across the county.

"It is another positive step to addressing a real problem in our community," Krauel said of the voluntary program that primarily targets Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma or substance abuse issues who run afoul of the law.

"This pilot will help us start sorting out the best ways to serve the public safety while bringing veterans who have offended back into the law-abiding community," said Krauel.

The county and its estimated 235,000 veterans will now join Santa Ana, Tulsa, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and dozens of places nationwide running courts focused on rehabilitating veterans through aggressive case management instead of jailing them.

The largest numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans anywhere in the country live in San Diego County, an estimated 30,000.

In recent years, increasing numbers of them have landed in county jails for what's been described as "impulse crimes" such as drunk driving, spouse and child abuse, barroom brawls and resisting arrest.

So many, in fact, that San Diego County now has upwards of 150 young veterans enmeshed in the criminal justice system and another 400 of all ages either in jail or facing charges.

San Diego attorney Jude Litzenberger has co-chaired the legal task force to establish the veteran diversion program since 2007. She said the calendar is good news for veterans and the public alike.

"Right now, the judges are seeing veterans in a number of San Diego County courtrooms," she said. "This is a good opportunity to consolidate those cases in order to do the kind of monitoring and mentoring that's been shown to both remove veterans from criminality while ensuring a safer community.

"If you send someone to DUI school when they need to go to PTSD counseling, you are doing a disservice to both the veteran and the public."

Litzenberger said the pending veterans treatment program won't be easy, but if successfully completed, it could wipe the slate clean for troubled veterans.

Take driving under the influence of alcohol, for example. Someone arrested on a first-time DUI can expect to pay $2,000 in fines, draw five years of unsupervised probation, attend 32 hours of alcohol education and agree to take a Breathalyzer test at any time.

Someone admitted into Veterans Treatment Review Calendar must comply with all of the above, plus undergo exposure therapy for PTSD, agree to drug and alcohol testing and have regular contact with a probation officer.

Buffalo Judge Robert Russell started the first veterans' court in January 2008. A hybrid of existing specialty courts ---- such as domestic violence court, mental health court and drug court ---- veterans' court has been a striking success.

Of 120 veterans enrolled in Russell's program, 90 percent successfully completed the program ---- and the recidivism rate is zero.

Below are key provisions of the Veterans Treatment Review Calendar:

-- A defendant will be assigned to the VTRC based on the recommendations of the prosecutor and defense lawyer, and supporting information from the probation department and agencies providing assessment and treatment.

-- All of the programs of the San Diego Court are open to defendants who are on active duty, including the VTRC. In certain circumstances, military procedures allow for military sanctions to be imposed in addition to whatever a civilian court does. Where there is military jurisdiction over a crime, it is up to the prosecutor whether a case is also filed in state court.

-- The VTRC will have the power to review cases already adjudicated. To do this, attorneys would make a joint recommendation to the criminal court judge conducting the probation hearing and sentencing of the defendant; or to the judge reviewing, post-sentence, the performance of probation.

Defense attorneys interested in the new program should contact Litzenberger at judelitz@aol.com. Put "VTRC Inquiry" in the subject line for a faster response.

Latest news on the criminal justice system, sentencing policy, prisons and life after jail | Society | guardian.co.uk

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:12:00 +0000

Latest news on the criminal justice system, sentencing policy, prisons and life after jail | Society | guardian.co.uk

It is to be hoped that the Government's Revolution in Prison Reform and Sentencing will indeed be delivered.

YouTube - Martin Bell OBE

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:09:00 +0000

YouTube - Martin Bell OBE

In this moving You Tube flim, Martin Bell OBE highlights the damaging impact of Combat Related PTSD, including how, for many, it often leads to enprisonment. The human and fincancial costs are disturbing. If we are serious as a nation about supporting the Military Covenant, we must surely take more action to address veteran mental health issues.

Briefing – Breaking the cycle – Government response | Christine Graham Consultancy

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:52:00 +0000

Briefing – Breaking the cycle – Government response | Christine Graham Consultancy
For those leading busy lives, this briefing provides a clear outline of the Government's 'Breaking the Cycle' report and is commended for its succinct and clear presentation.

Welcome - Armed Forces Health Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Trevor Philpott OBE) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:11:00 +0000

Welcome - Armed Forces Health Partnership
This important work by the NHS and partners is clearly to be welcomed. It is to be hoped that similar support will also be offered to those Veterans who, often as a result of mental health issues following combat experience, end up entering the Justice System.