DRAFT. PSi CELL SHARING RISKASSESSMENT/ RISKOF HARM TO OTHERS

Transcription

1 PSi CELL SHARNG RSKASSESSMENT/ RSKOF HARM TO OTHERS Purpose. This Prison Service nstruction {PS) replaces PS 26/2002 on Cell- Sharing Risk Assessment and accompanying forms which were introduced on 20 June t incorporates changes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the current risk assessment and subsequent risk minimisation process. The revised PS additional forms and guidance notes will come into effect on [ ]. 2. The risk assessment process has been evaluated by Research Development Statistics (RDS) under the direction of a working group including policy, research and operational staff. Additionally a small working group of Governors & other key officers has undertaken a special review, motivated by the alleged murder of a prisoner in a shared cell at Manchester prison. 3. The main changes to the risk assessment process are Change Reasons for change ncludes a risk minimisation plan To ensure that any risks & management arrangements identified are minimised and that the document is kept 'live' Facility to record risk Recognition from case studies assessment/review triggered that new events and by circumstances other than circumstances can trigger new re-location risks A member of (safer custody) To provide consistent ongoing staff is designated to oversee risk assessment & management the risk management process, relating to cell-sharing A register of prisoners To provide a reference point designated high risk must be for overview of risks and an held centrally in each audit trail of open and closed establishment cases 4. The purpose of the risk assessment tool remains the same to: draw together information about risk make best use of documentary evidence; support staff judgement about allocation to cells and risk management;

2 record additional operational precautionary measures for a prisoner identified as a potential risk, where cell sharing is unavoidable; provide a record about risk of harm to others as a prisoner moves between wings/prisons; to enable early identification of racist, homophobic or violent prisoners, to ensure that other Prison Service procedures to protect potential victims are followed. 5. The cell sharing risk assessment system does not: replace staff judgement provide an actuarial risk score rule out cell sharing by prisoners who pose a risk. Policy and Output 6. The first part of the form is completed as part of the Reception procedure before the first night in custody. t should be reviewed by the nduction Board. Evidence of risk should be recorded clearly, so that officers referring to the form will be sure about the risks present and be able to plan on the basis of that risk. The Prisoner Escort Record (PER}, warrant, probation reports, OASys and previous convictions must be consulted, if available, when the cellsharing risk assessment form is being completed. Where available and in compliance with PSO 0905, the Police National Computer Link, must be used to access pre-conviction data as soon as possible. f staff are on duty and trained to access the PNC for previous convictions, arrangements must be made to provide pre-conviction data to reception induction staff on the first night. Typically, reception officers and health-care staff should handle the assessment process with allocation decisions taken by the reception manager. More sensitive decisions about cell allocations (for example, if a prisoner represents risk to self and others) should be referred to a more senior manager. Where a prisoner is identified as being at risk of self-harm or suicide, an F2052SH or an ACCT (the replacement for the F2052SH) must be opened. (f the prisoner is newly arrived at reception, local protocols may allow for any risk-to-self information to be passed to the reception healthcare screener for them to decide if an F2052SH or and ACCT should be opened).

3 7. n the case of a transferred prisoner, the sending prison must ensure an up-to-date (i.e. reflecting the current circumstances if different to when the assessment was completed) cell sharing risk assessment for, and any risk management plans, accompany the prisoner to the receiving prison as part of the transfer documentation. These must be read before location decisions are made in receiving closed training prisons where there is the option of other than single cell occupancy. 8. Prisons without shared accommodation must complete a risk assessment form on every prisoner by the end of the nduction process. This will allow them to make informed decisions about the management control of prisoners who exhibit potentially violent, racist, or homophobic behaviour. 9. A risk minimisation plan should be in place to manage significant or increased risks identified. This should be agreed within 7 days and signed by the duty governor. This plan will form the core of the prisoner's history sheet and a copy should be kept on the wing file. These plans must be consulted when relocating prisoners. 1. Particularly sensitive judgements are needed if a prisoner is seen to be at risk of harming him/herself as well as others. The incidence of self-harm and suicide is significantly higher than murder. Cell sharing can be an important element of the support provided for an at-risk prisoner, and placement in a single cell could increase risk. Where an at-risk prisoner is to be placed in a single cell the ACCT CAREMAP (or F2052SH support plan) should take this into account, in respect of frequency of conversations and observations (level of supervision), additional support for the prisoner/trainee, and location, e.g. use of a safer cell. 12. :h as (to self ol risks 13. Fu of management Diversity

4 12. Cell sharing risk assessment can aid identification and management of prisoners who show signs of racism, or other forms of bigotry or discriminatory behaviour. But it is not an appropriate way of managing prisoners who press for scarce single cell accommodation. Sharing with someone from a non-targeted group could be considered. 13. Racist, or other discriminatory attitudes maybe visible (e.g. tattoos), but should be evidenced by monitoring behaviour. t must be made clear to any prisoner who appears to pose a threat to any group of prisoners that racist or harassing behaviour is in breach of Prison Rules, and will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence (using the racially aggravated offences where evidence is available.)" mpact and resource assessment 15. n prisons with a first night centre, the form may be completed there as long as documentary evidence is used and information from health care staff is available. Training 16. The principles of risk assessment remain unchanged. Guidance is incorporated into the additional forms. 17. Reception and Health care staff will need to be familiar with the revised form. All staff will need to be familiar with the principles and procedures of risk management. Mandatory Action 18. PS 26/2002 must be replaced 19. Governors of all closed prisons and YOs and directors of privately managed prisons must satisfy themselves that staff are aware of this nstruction. They must also be satisfied that; the cell sharing risk assessment form is being used and completed properly, risk minimisation plans are agreed for those prisoners who present a significant or increased risk, and a review schedule agreed a member of (safer custody) staff is designated to oversee the risk management process. a register of prisoners designated as significant or increased risk must be held centrally in each establishment to provide an audit trail of open and closed cases. These will be monitored by the area manager on their regular visits.

5 20. Regular reviews will be required for those prisoners initially rated as a significant (high) or increased(medium) risk, and whose rating was then confirmed at the nduction Board. Thisshould initially be after one month, then at least three monthly intervals. The review form must be used for ongoing assessment. Where other risk management processes offer the potential to manage this process, ( OASys, MAPPA) these can be used. The focus of cell-sharing risk assessment must be maintained. 21. The review form must also be used for re-assessment of any prisoner if there is a significant event that triggers concern. There will be some prisoners who have a completed OASys prepared by the Probation Service. Thisdocument, particularly the sections dealing with self harm and harm to others, must be consulted at the time of any subsequent review carried out on prisoners identified as at risk of harming a cellmate or others. Circumstances that may trigger a review are for local judgement; here are some examples; repeated or escalated threats of violence, particularly towards cellmates; discharge from segregation following violent or threatening behaviour; unexpected conviction or harsh sentence. Advice and information 22. Queries about the cell sharing risk assessment form should be made to Safer Custody Group (Gill Brigden) on , or the SCG Outreach Team duty desk. Ordering of forms 23. Prisonsthat require additional supplies of form xf 001 should submit orders to Corby Customer Liaison Team on The forms can also be obtained from the intranet. Templates for a RiskManagement Assessment Review are available Reduction Toolkit, or under forms Plan and for Cell Sharing Risk on the intranet on the Violence The use of Form xf002 will cease. Peter Atherton Director of High Security Prisons and Security

6 Cell Sharing Risk Review Prisoner name Date of review Current risk rating Number Minimal/ ncreased/ Significant Reason for review Scheduled [] Revised assessment [] *see below * Circumstances that may trigger a review of the initial assessment are for local judgement; here are some examples; Repeated or escalated threats of violence, particularly towards cellmates; Discharge from segregation following violent or threatening behaviour; Unexpected conviction or harsh sentence. Assessment information Has there been any new information to link the prisoner with violent offences? Briefdetails Yes No Based on the information the Has the prisoner displayed any homophobic or racist behaviour? risk of harming a cell-mate is Briefdetails Yes No significant Has the prisoner displayed any anti-social behaviour, bullying, threats, r_l damage to property, aggression, hate-motivated behaviour, assaults? Yes No Briefdetails! S there a reason to suspect that the prisoner is abusing drugs/alcohol Based on the information the Yes No! Briefdetails risk of harming a cell-mate is Does the prisoner have a history of self-harm? increased Yes No Briefdetails ( Does the security department have any information that may affect the risk assessment?! Briefdetails Yes No Based on the information the Does the Health Care Team have any information that may affect the risk risk of harming assessment? a cell-mate is Yes No! Brief details minimal Personal/Wing Officer... signed... U A Risk Duty Managed Duty Governor Comment Management Plan must be agreed within 7days Signature... date... J

7 CELL SHARNG RSK MNMSATON PLAN copy to history sheet & win( file Date: Prisoner name number Significant/ncreased risk Details of those contributing to plan Name Prisoner Designation How does the prisoner feel about the situation? Unit Manager Ask open questions; e.g. 'Can you tell me what you think this is about?' Explorethe source of the risk/ prejudice, how the prisoner thinks he/she can learn to cope with his/her risky behaviour Elements of Risk Minimisation Plan Consideration may be given to the following: alcohol and drugs, mental illness/distress, self-care, medication, social needs, custodial/legal problems, occupation, sentence plan, co-location. SpecificNeed Action Required Timing of review e.g 1 month, 3months NB Events would trigger review sooner E.g. adjudications, violent behaviour, security information, anti-bullying logs, conviction/change of status Duty Manager/Duty Governor Comments of Duty Manager/Duty Governor: Name: Signature: Date: