Abstract
Coyle, Fair, Jacobson and Walmsley have developed a comprehensive and easy to digest resource which provides an account of prison populations and statistics globally. The text considers the role of prisons and seeks to explain in laymen’s terms the factors, uses and management considerations which exist within a prison community. The authors have divided the book into three primary sections. Section I: Prisons and the use of imprisonment, numbers and trends; Section II: An ethical approach to the use of imprisonment; and Section III: An alternative future. There is an underlying theme throughout the text which emphasizes the human and social impacts of incarceration on individuals, families and on society in general. The authors assess the ethical responsibilities of incarcerators and the variation and violations of human rights that occur as a result of prison over-crowding globally.
The data in Section I relating to prison populations is easily adapted into a visual demonstration and compelling argument for reviewing sentencing guidelines and policy. Incidentally, the authors note that changes to policy have significantly increased sentence terms and criminalization globally. These reforms to policy have also led to unfair sentencing practices and considerably longer periods of time in which people are being held on remand (untried). In addition, the complexities of remand sentences for female prisoners are examined as well as trends of imprisonment around the world.
In Section II, the ethics of imprisonment is discussed and globally there has been a slow progression from punitive punishments, such as custodial sentences, to less retributive or alternatives to prison. The authors also highlight the disproportionally high number of minority prisoners worldwide as well as the impacts of low socio-economic status, which have long been associated with patterns of crime and criminality. The text makes a strong assertion that an ethical and human rights-based approach is needed to mend the disparate approaches to crime globally. The authors outline in Chapter 6 the ideals of the international human rights standards as they apply to incarceration around the world. The chapter is grouped into themes: total prohibition of torture; dignity of the person; health; operating safe and orderly prisons; disciplinary procedure and complaints; constructive activities and social reintegration; recognizing diversity; remand prisoners; women prisoners; juvenile and young offenders; prisoners serving long sentences; inspection procedures. These themes help to shape the reader’s perception of the individual rights of prisoners as each theme may impact the daily lives of the incarcerated. Defining human rights for all people is important for many reasons, but as the authors note, ‘prisoners are not a homogenous group, but rather individuals who represent a plethora of personal, social, and demographic profiles. Their imprisonment is merely a consequence of their individual actions’ (p. 113). Providing all people with basic necessities such as food, clean water, sanitary and hygienic spaces for personal care, and clothing are often times neglected in a prison. Living in a space that is overcrowded and fraught with disease, is also considered a violation of human rights which as the authors suggest, is happening in prisons worldwide. The power dynamics of prison are also discussed in Section II. The inspection procedure for prisons is in place to ensure that prisoners are treated fairly without fear of further retribution. The primary purpose of the independent inspection procedures is to certify that prisons are being managed in accordance with law and regulations which protect the rights of prisoners (Mandela Rules, rule 83.2). In addition, the United Nations Convention against Torture has also developed an independent worldwide inspectorate protocol.
In Section III, the authors seek to clarify the purpose of imprisonment. Indicating that the overuse of prison as a means to deal with personal, social and health problems has been consequential in that it is an ineffective tool for deterrence or for resolving environmental factors. If, as the authors state, we observe prisoners as being in exile, then how can we expect them to be successful in life after prison. It is a broad expectation to assume that prison alone is a deterrent to crime, instead the authors suggest that investing in people and communities may be a wiser investment than pouring money into the justice system. Starting at the individual and community level can lead to greater cohesion and social inclusion which in turn may deter criminality. In criminology we use a variety of terms to describe how prisoners are supported during imprisonment, such as rehabilitation, reintegration, resettlement, reformation, reducing reoffending and re-entry. Each of these ‘methods’ are important, but alone are not sufficient. The authors suggest the human development model, which is an approach that is concerned with developing the full potential of people so as to increase their access to opportunity and choice post-incarceration. This is obviously a complicated task, but the plan is set in motion and goals identified by the United Nations have begun to come to fruition.
In conclusion, Imprisonment Worldwide: The Current Situation and an Alternative Future has provided a valuable resource for understanding the global composition of prisons and the authors have established a critical argument for assessing human rights in prison and have prompted a discussion on alternatives to imprisonment globally. The text is not meant to solve the problems of global imprisonment, but rather shed light on the challenges presented in prisons around the world, and perhaps provide some insight on the social impacts of incarceration.