Inmates are having to wait an unreasonably long time for the Prison and Probation Service’s in-depth conditions investigations

In this case, the Parliamentary Ombudsman reviewed the processing times for in-depth conditions investigations and related matters. An inmate must normally undergo such an investigation if the execution of his or her prison sentence is to be subject to special conditions which, for security reasons, are necessary for, inter alia, placement in a prison and leave.

The survey commissioned by the Prison and Probation Service following the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s initiative shows that proceedings often take a long time and that a large portion of the investigation time consists of simply waiting. This means, among other things, that the assessment of the conditions does not take place as soon as execution of the sentence begins, which is contrary to the Imprisonment Act. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the inmates concerned to remain in a remand prison while awaiting the correct prison place, and the Parliamentary Ombudsman notes that this is also contrary to mandatory legal rules. She addresses some of the negative consequences of these circumstances for the inmates.

Despite the efforts of the Prison and Probation Service, it is clear, according to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, that the problem of lengthy processing times is far from being solved. She considers the findings of the review to be extremely serious and that there is good reason for continuing to monitor the issues.