Report highlights health needs of those in criminal justice system

People caught up in the criminal justice system have far-reaching health needs and are generally of poor health, an NHS report has shown.

Comprehensive findings presented by director of public health Susan Webb examined issues such as death rates as a result of substance misuse as well as poor mental health.

The report concludes more should be done to tackle inequalities to prevent people from getting caught up in the criminal justice system.

It studied the perpetrators of crime as well as their victims and families.

The report stated that participation and joint working between agencies is carried out.

But it added a “much wider network” of people and agencies exist which could support a public health approach to dealing with the causes and effects of crime, including preventative work with children and addressing underlying attitudes and “stigma”.

“This report has described several examples of ongoing cross-sector partnership activity, which share a clear vision and a common purpose,” it states.

“What is clear is that we could do more to tackle the fundamental causes of inequality that leads to involvement in the community justice system, and take all the opportunities available to us to support people in ‘breaking out’ of the system.”

It suggests focusing on “wider societal inequalities” as a way of cutting involvement in criminal justice.

“We can do much more (collectively) to help people survive and thrive during their contact with the community justice system, and just like mental health, we should focus on ‘recovery’ and maintenance of recovery.”

The report adds that carrying out preventative work is “substantially more cost effective” than maintaining them in the system or rehabilitating.

The findings were warmly welcomed by members of Tuesday’s board meeting, particularly by Malcolm Bell, who serves as an honorary sheriff.

But he warned it would take time before change is seen.

“You can take the view that the answer to crime is to build more prisons or you can take the more enlightened view which is to take the public health approach,” he said.

“My only caution is that the actions you are proposing here will take many years to come through.”

ONE COMMENT

Add Your Comment
  • Jay Fletcher

    • February 19th, 2020 12:20

    This report is nothing new. As usual, words, words words, research, reports and findings… waffle, waffle.. but NO action. Of course it will take years to change a system when no actual action is taking place. It’s common sense that anyone who is sent to prison has a mental health issue on one level or another. It’s time for the decision makers to roll up their sleeves and start implementing these much needed changes. Be brave and creative with their power and responsibilities. They may even discover that it saves some money… And lives!

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.