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PSI 50/2008 ACCEPTABLE ACTIVITIES IN PRISONS

 

“A Sick Joke”.  That was the headline in the Daily Mail on 22nd November last year. Jack Straw had personally cancelled a workshop being run in Whitemoor prison by a charity that has been working in prisons since 1998. Mr Straw then instigated PSI 50/2008, which came into effect on 6th January this year. The PSI says that “In considering whether a particular activity should be approved, governors must consider, in the first place, how it is likely to be perceived by the public”. There was immediate concern from charities and others working in the criminal justice system that worthwhile activities and courses would be banned by over-cautious governors seeking to avoid attention from Jack Straw and the redtop newspapers. Questions were asked in the House of Lords in February by Lord Lester of Herne Hill, but the government’s response was to stonewall. Former Chief Inspector of Prisons, Lord Ramsbotham, described the move as "lunacy” and said “it was a gross overreaction.” 

Katie Emck Executive Director of Fine Cell Work, a charity which teaches sewing to prisoners and sells their work, feared the new approach might see their projects barred.

 

But what has the actual impact been six months on? Has your prison governor stopped any activities or courses as a result of PSI 50/2008? Do you have any examples you can share with us? Please let us have details: To Helen Bootham