Why Not A John Lewis Prison?
John Podmore, who has run prisons for many years has written a book called Out of Sight, Out of Mind, which describes why Britain’s prisons are failing.
On BBC Breakfast this morning, he talked about how he went some of the way to making Brixton a community prison, by opening the doors to local businesses, charities and churches. He also indicated seriously that local prisons could be run on John Lewis lines, with all the community having a share.
Now there’s an idea! But I think a good one, as our current penal policy is unsustainable.
The Anonymous Widower 
The idea of the community being stakeholders in local prisons is good, I do know that the prison nearest me has church imput, groups such as Samaritans go in, and 12 step fellowships such as AA, NA, GA etc go in and help with 12 step groups within the prison, and volunteers are involved in visitor centre caring for children of prisoners and providing tea and coffee to the prisoners visitors.
Comment by liz | January 16, 2012 |
I totally agree. Having been round a couple of pris9ons, I alsoo feel that a lot of prisoners would welcomec local contact too.
Comment by AnonW | January 16, 2012 |