The English Prison SystemRuggles-Brise, Evelyn, Sir
History
The English Prison System
Ruggles-Brise, Evelyn, Sir
Prisons -- Great Britain
5. On passing into the Special Grade, an inmate's case will be
specially considered for conditional licence. During the time that
has elapsed since reception, under the scheme detailed, it ought
to be possible for the Authorities on the spot to have formed an
opinion whether, or not, as prescribed by Section 5(1) of the Act,
there is a reasonable probability that an inmate will lead a useful
and industrious life if let out on licence. Cases, of course, differ
infinitely. The causes that led to the Borstal sentence may be deeply
ingrained, thus requiring a long period of reformatory training,
or they may be due more to circumstance than character, and if the
criminal habit or tendency is not deep seated, it is hoped that in
many cases, the period of twelve months' detention, under healthy
influences, will furnish sufficient guarantee that a criminal course
is not likely to be persisted in. In arriving at an opinion on this
point, the Institution Board will, of course, avail themselves to the
fullest extent of the services and experience of the representative of
the Borstal Association. Such representative will, if possible, be a
member of the Visiting Committee, and thus closely identified with the
history of each case from the commencement of sentence. Inquiries made
by the Borstal Association as to home surroundings, parental influence,
capacity for any special branch of work, will furnish the guide to the
authorities in their determination of each case.
Inmates in the Special Grade will be specially located. Those not
considered eligible for licence will, on passing into the Special
Grade, be at once transferred to superior quarters, where they will be
kept distinct from the main body, under a distinct body of officers,
who will reside in quarters contiguous to such superior buildings. In
addition to the privileges enjoyed by the Probationary Grade inmates
in this Grade will have a special dress: their mess-room and dwelling
rooms will be supplied with superior crockery, and they will elect
their own mess president of each table or section. The reading of
newspapers will be allowed.
Inmates may earn a good conduct stripe for every three months passed
with exemplary conduct, carrying 5s. gratuity for the first stripe, 7s,
6d. for the second stripe, and 10s. for each stripe thereafter, up to a
maximum of £2, half of which may be spent in purchase of articles for
their own use, _e.g._, material for private work, articles of clothing
&c.
Inmates may, in addition to the privileges allowed in the Probationary
Grade, be allowed outside the walls on parole, or to go errands, or to
undertake work in the neighbourhood.
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