Understanding Open Prisons: Facilities, Eligibility and Daily Life

Open prisons play a crucial role in the UK’s prison system, offering an alternative type of incarceration that encourages rehabilitation and preparation for life outside the prison walls.

What is an Open Prison?

An open prison, also known as a Category D prison, is an establishment where inmates have more freedom compared to traditional, closed prisons. They are a part of the UK’s progressive approach towards prisoner reform and rehabilitation.

Facilities in Open Prisons

In open prisons, prison life aims to replicate life outside as much as possible. Inmates have the opportunity to work, often in the local community, and sometimes even to live and sleep outside the prison. Here are a few key facilities usually present:

• Workshops: These provide practical skills training.
• Educational Programs: These help inmates acquire formal qualifications.
• Psychological Services: These are available to support mental health.
• Leisure Activities: These can include gyms, libraries, and TV rooms.
• Family Visits: These are generally more relaxed compared to closed prisons.

Eligibility for Open Prisons

Not all prisoners are eligible for placement in an open prison. Inmates must meet several requirements, including:

1. A low risk of escape.
2. A low risk to the public.
3. No history of serious prison violence.

Daily Life in an Open Prison

While daily life in an open prison is less strict than in closed prisons, routine and rules still apply. A typical day may include:

• Work Shifts: Prisoners are often required to work. This can vary from prison jobs to community work.
• Timed Roll Calls: Regular checks are carried out to account for all prisoners.
• Free Time: During this period, prisoners can use facilities such as the gym or library.
• Evening Lock-Up: Curfews are enforced to maintain order.

The objective of the daily routine is to develop personal responsibility, work habits, and social skills that will aid successful reintegration back into society post-release.

Preparing for Life Outside Prison Walls

One of the key objectives of open prisons is to help prisoners prepare successfully for life after release. They do this through:

• Work Release: Inmates can gain work experience and start saving money before release.
• Education and Training: Programmes that provide vocational and academic qualifications are available.
• Release on Temporary License (ROTL): ROTL enables prisoners to spend time outside of prison as they approach the end of their sentence, helping them reconnect with their community and family, find accommodation, a job, and access support services.

While open prisons are part of a broader suite of measures aimed at reducing reoffending and preparing prisoners for a successful life post-prison, they are not without controversies and challenges. Despite this, they remain a key part of the UK’s strategy towards a more rehabilitative, rather than purely punitive, approach to sentencing.