Safer Custody Standing Order Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who remains responsible for visiting children during prison visits?

The adult(s) escorting them (correct)

The visiting officer on duty

The prison staff

The children themselves

What is the maximum time allowed for visits by legal or religious representatives?

Two hours

No visit shall take place after 1800 hours

One hour

Unlimited, unless specified otherwise (correct)

In what manner are prisoners typically visited by religious or embassy representatives?

Only during specific holidays

One-on-one basis (correct)

Without any guiding officers present

In groups of three or more

What is required before unconvicted prisoners may mix with convicted prisoners?

A risk assessment by the Prison Inspector and SIO or AGLA Signup and view all the answers

How many visits per week are unconvicted prisoners allowed from adults in addition to legal visits?

Two one-hour visits Signup and view all the answers

What determines the number of telephone calls unconvicted prisoners can make?

The same number as convicted prisoners Signup and view all the answers

Who must make arrangements for visits to unconvicted prisoners?

Prison staff Signup and view all the answers

What time must visits conclude in the prison setting?

By 1800 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for a CP who escapes or attempts to escape from lawful custody?

Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions must take place after a CP is notified of their eligibility for TR?

They need to prepare a written letter requesting TR. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for confirming that all required information for a TR application is available?

The Policy Co-ordinator Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a CP is convicted for escape while on TR?

They cannot be granted TR for the duration of their imprisonment for that offence. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the letter from the Chief Officer regarding TR?

Possible progression plan and any conditions for TR Signup and view all the answers

What documentation must accompany the application for TR submitted to the Chief Officer?

Full documentation and recommendations Signup and view all the answers

When must the Inspector of Prisons notify a CP about their eligibility for TR?

21 days before completing one third of the sentence Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an application for TR is rejected by the Chief Officer?

Full justification for the rejection is provided. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ownership of the Safer Custody document?

Superintendent A' Panicos PANAYI Signup and view all the answers

When is the Safer Custody document scheduled for review?

August 2026 Signup and view all the answers

What legislation is relevant to the Safer Custody document?

Human Rights Ordinance 2004 Signup and view all the answers

What is the protective marking of the Safer Custody document?

Not Protectively marked Signup and view all the answers

Who approved the Safer Custody document?

Chief Constable Signup and view all the answers

How many pages does the Safer Custody document contain?

174 pages Signup and view all the answers

Which appendix addresses the security of keys?

Annex 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the implementation date of the Safer Custody document?

August 2023 Signup and view all the answers

What does Annex 7 focus on within the Safer Custody document?

Suicide and Self Harm Signup and view all the answers

What is the reference number for the Safer Custody document?

SO HMP 1 Signup and view all the answers

Which group authored the Safer Custody document?

PI 505 Dora PANTELI Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sections does NOT appear in the Table of Contents?

Prisoner Rehabilitation and Resettlement Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the Community Relations Steering Group serve in relation to the Safer Custody document?

Overseeing implementation and policy review Signup and view all the answers

Which appendix provides information about the management of prisoners refusing food and fluids?

Annex 5 Signup and view all the answers

What factor is typically insufficient on its own for the Panel to recommend early release?

Good conduct during the sentence Signup and view all the answers

What is required before a prisoner sentenced to more than 12 months can be eligible for early release?

The prisoner must have served 12 months minimum Signup and view all the answers

Which entity has the final decision on granting early release, independent of the Panel's advice?

The Administrator Signup and view all the answers

What role do members of the Panel play in the early release decision process?

They provide independent assessment and recommendations Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected composition of the Panel?

A member from a welfare organization, an armed forces padre, and a community leader Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is particularly considered important by the Panel for assessing a prisoner for early release?

Demonstration of addressing offending behavior Signup and view all the answers

Who can represent the prisoner during the Panel review process?

Any individual appointed by the prisoner Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor influencing the Panel's decision-making process regarding early release that does not dictate enforceable conditions?

Possibility of prisoner recall Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk of accepting applications for early release before the standard period?

It could undermine the judiciary's role in sentencing. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a further application be made after a rejection within 6 months?

If there is a material change in circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Superintendent of Prisons play in the Panel's process?

They provide reports and relevant information for assessment. Signup and view all the answers

How long before the hearing must reports from the Superintendent be disclosed to the prisoner?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the Panel to make a recommendation regarding an application?

Private discussion among its members. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Panel's procedures is accurate?

The Panel may invite the prisoner and others for oral representations. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Panel provide if it is unable to reach an agreement on a recommendation?

An explanation of differing opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for not allowing immediate early release after sentencing?

To allow for rehabilitation and assessment periods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Responsibility of Adults during Visits

Adults escorting children in Prison must keep them under control and not allow them to roam freely.
Visiting children are the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s) throughout the visit duration.

Visits by Representatives

Visits from legal, religious, embassy, or consulate representatives require arrangements with the Prison Inspector or Sergeant.
Typically, no time limit is imposed on such visits unless operational needs dictate otherwise; visits cannot occur after 1800 hours.
Religious and diplomatic visits generally occur on a one-to-one basis, not as a group, unless authorized by the Prison Inspector.
Escorting officers remain outside the visiting room, maintaining discretion based on the risk level of the prisoner.

Unconvicted and Remanded Prisoners

Risk assessments determine when unconvicted or remanded prisoners can mix with convicted prisoners.
Unconvicted prisoners may receive two one-hour visits weekly from up to three adults, in addition to visits from legal representatives, unless directed otherwise by the SIO or AGLA.
Unconvicted prisoners are permitted telephone calls equivalent to those allowed for convicted prisoners.

Unlawfully at Large Definition

A community prisoner (CP) released on temporary release (TR) is considered unlawfully at large if they fail to return after the TR period or a recall order.
Evasion or escape from lawful custody incurs a felony charge, potentially resulting in imprisonment of up to five years.

CPs convicted for escape-related offenses during TR will not typically be granted further TR during their imposed sentence.

Application for Temporary Release (TR)

Prison Inspector notifies CPs 21 days before they become eligible to apply for TR, provided they have served one-third of their sentence.
CPs must submit a written request for TR, outlining their intended activities during that period.
The Prison Inspector completes necessary application forms and submits them through the Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent of Prisons for endorsement.
The Policy Co-ordinator ensures all documentation is complete and evaluates CP eligibility for TR; a submission is prepared for the Chief Officer.

Decision-Making Process for TR Applications

The Chief Officer decides on granting TR based on recommendations received from the Policy Co-ordinator, including documentation and justifications for any rejections.
If TR is granted, the Chief Officer informs the Superintendent of Prisons of any conditions and progression plans; rejections must include a detailed justification.### Document Overview
Title: Safer Custody - HM Prison Main Standing Order
Reference No: SO HMP 1
Ownership: Superintendent A' Panicos Panayi
Author: PI 505 Dora Panteli
Approved by: Chief Constable
Implementation Date: August 2023
Review Date: August 2026
Pages: 174, including this page

Relevant Departments and Legislation

Department: Community Relations Steering Group
Legislation referenced:
- Prison (General) Regulations 2005
- Prisons Ordinance 1971
- Human Rights Ordinance 2004

Document Structure

Contains sections such as Introduction, Arrival and Detention, At Risk Prisoners, General Welfare, Contact Policies (Telephone, Video, Mail), Visits, and various Appendices.
Early sections address prisoner welfare and management procedures, laying foundational guidelines for safe practices in custody.

Key Appendices

Appendix A: Prison Contingency Plan
Appendix B: Prison Discipline Procedure
Appendix C: Assessment for Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Appendix D: Transfer Procedures for Prisoners
Appendix E: Medical Care guidelines
Specific annexes detail protocols for suicide prevention, hostage negotiation, and management for prisoners refusing food and fluids.

Early Release Process

A prisoner can apply for early release any time during their sentence.
Normal policy states applications are considered for those sentenced to 12 months or longer after serving 12 months and one-third of their remaining sentence.
A Panel, independent of Administration, assesses applications, ensuring no enforceable license conditions can be imposed upon release.
Composition of the Panel includes members from welfare organizations, armed forces chaplains, and respected community figures.

Prisoner Rights and Responsibilities

Guidelines include rights and obligations of prisoners, reflecting the need for clarity in expectations and entitlements during incarceration.

Monitoring and Review

Last revision of the document was in July 2023.
Quality assurance is managed by the Training and Policy Review Department.
Emphasis on ongoing assessment and adherence to established procedures to ensure a safe custody environment.### Early Release Considerations
Applications for early release that deviate from established timelines could undermine judicial authority and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Early eligibility for release allows for immediate applications post-sentencing, which may not provide adequate time for rehabilitation or assessment.
Ensures that prisoners are not eligible for early release before they qualify for temporary release.

Parity with Parole System

Aligning early release criteria with the RoC's (Rules of Conduct) parole system maintains consistency with HMG's (Her Majesty's Government) commitments.

Application Rejection Policy

An application meeting criteria that is rejected cannot be re-submitted within six months, following the normal rejection policy without panel review.
Reapplications made after six months may only be considered if significant changes in circumstances are shown or if the panel suggests a waiting period for review.

Procedure and Hearing Protocols

The Panel receives the prisoner’s application alongside relevant reports from the Superintendent of Prisons for comprehensive assessment.
Necessary reports must be shared with the prisoner at least seven days before the hearing date to ensure transparency.

Rights and Representation

The Panel invites the prisoner, their representative, and the Superintendent (or delegate) for oral representations during hearings.
The prisoner may opt for legal representation while all parties must attend to hear oral evidence.
The Panel is flexible with procedural rules, not bound by traditional evidence rules, as long as fairness and non-discrimination guidelines are followed.

Recommendation Process

Recommendations are made through private discussion among panel members and documented in writing for the Administrator.
If consensus on a recommendation is not reached, the panel is required to disclose this and provide justification for their decisions.

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Description

This quiz covers key points from the Safer Custody standing order for HM Prison, referencing important legislation and operational guidelines. Topics include the management of at-risk prisoners, visits, and general welfare policies. Test your understanding of security measures and prisoner rights as outlined in the 174-page document.