Inquiry into imprisoned army personnel
Independent inquiry into former armed services personnel currently in prison launched
Wednesday, 11, Nov 2009 12:30
By Richard James.
An independent inquiry into former armed services personnel currently serving prison sentences has been launched today on Armistice Day.
The inquiry is being held at the instigation of Lord Carlile, president of the Howard League for Penal Reform, who claims to have received a series of concerns at the numbers of service personnel within the prison system.
The inquiry will be chaired by Sir John Nutting and is expected to last a year.
Consultation sessions will be held with key stakeholders, as well as including prison visits and trips to the United States to examine developments such as the introduction of veterans' courts.
There are currently around 85,000 people in prison in England and Wales with recent estimates putting the proportion who have previously served in the armed forces between five and ten per cent (equating to 4,000 to 8,300 prisoners).
The Howard League for Penal Reform claims the vast majority are male. Many are formerly of the army but there are also a number of former navy personnel, particularly the Royal Marines.
In addition, there are also a large number of ex-servicemen who are under supervision and serving community sentences or are being supervised following a lengthy prison sentence.
Commenting on the new inquest, Lord Carlile said: "I hope this inquiry will start a debate on how to deal with those most affected by their time in the forces. It is imperative that we find ways to help prevent armed service personnel ending up in prison.
"It is fitting that the inquiry launches on Armistice Day, when the whole country remembers the sacrifices our armed forces have made on our behalf."
Sir John, chair of the inquiry, added: "I am delighted to have been invited by the Howard League for Penal Reform to chair this important inquiry.
"There is mounting evidence that increasing numbers of former armed service personnel are finding themselves in prison and we are worried as to the implications. It is widely known that many former armed service personnel face difficulties when returning to the community as a civilian.
"We need to get to the bottom of why so many of them find themselves caught up in the criminal justice system after they have left the services. It is vital that the complex needs of armed forces personnel are adequately addressed and that we do everything we can to help those who serve their country adjust to civilian life."