Concerns there is insufficient support for people once they are released from prison, as well as alternative sentencing options, could see the States debate an independent report into Guernsey Prison.
The prison watchdog, the Independent Monitoring Panel called on the Committee for Home Affairs to expand sentencing options, including electronic tagging, in its review of prison services in 2024.
The Independent Monitoring Panel said this would be better than imprisonment, particularly for women and juveniles, given the challenges of Guernsey’s mixed prison population.
It also noted serious challenges with inmates re-entering society, such as access to housing, banking, or social support networks especially for those who have committed contentious crimes.
Deputies Gavin St Pier and Jayne Ozanne are bidding for the States to debate the report next week, which is usually only noted by politicians.
“The report contains some comments which deserve the higher profile and scrutiny which a States’ debate would ensure,” Deputy St Pier said.
“In particular, the report notes that there is insufficient support available to individuals when they are released from prison to resettle into the community. This risks much of the good work that may have been achieved by being in prison being undone.
“The other observation that jumps out is the suggestion to pursue a range of sentencing options, including electronic tagging, as an alternative to imprisonment.
He said the lack of alternatives could be costing the community more and also “delivering poorer outcomes” for those going through the criminal justice system.
Deputy Ozanne added that she was “very concerned” by the testimony of inmates after they are released from Les Nicolles.
“Without adequate support they are, I believe, highly likely to reoffend, which serves neither them nor our local community well.”
You can read the full report HERE.