Prison
Service
Order
ORDER
NUMBER
1810
Maintaining Order
In Prisons
PSO 1810
Page 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
To maintain order and control in prison establishments by making best use of prisoner
accommodation and implementing population protocols.
DESIRED OUTCOME
Open and honest exchange of information about prisoners when arranging transfers.
Area Population Protocols, which include arrangements for managing prisoners whose
behaviour is difficult or disruptive.
Clear allocation criteria.
Replaces Instruction to Governors 55/94 and 28/93
MANDATORY ACTIONS
Area Managers and the Head of Population Management Unit must agree population
Protocols.
Area Managers are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of Population
Protocols for the prisons in their area.
Area Managers should take account of contracted establishments in their area and liaise with
the Office for Contracted Prisons (OCP) or the appropriate Regional Offender Manager
(ROM).
Local guidance must be issued which makes clear to all staff the requirements of the Prison
Service Order and their individual responsibilities in maintaining order.
This must be implemented under the supervision of the establishment Senior Management
Team, who must review the progress of the strategy regularly, the frequency to be agreed with
the Area Manager.
Local Strategies must be developed for the management of prisoners whose behaviour is
difficult or disruptive.
Area Managers must have in place a system for monitoring stability in establishments.
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Maintaining order within prisons is part of existing work and delivered from establishments’
resources.
IMPLEMENTATION DATE:
25 July 2005
(signed)
Michael Spurr
Director of Operations
Area/Operational Manager
If you require any further information please contact:
Alan Pritchard Tel: 02072176727
Order ref. 237
Issued 05/07/06
PSO 1810
Page 2
PRISON SERVICE ORDER
Maintaining Order in Prisons
1.
Introduction
The Prison Service has a responsibility to keep all those who work, live or visit prisons safe.
Although, in the context of prison life, many things can influence the maintenance of order,
everything must be done to maintain order and control. This PSO relates to the male estate; the
women’s estate has produced its own protocol.
This PSO sets out mandatory requirements.
2.
Responsibility for maintaining order in prisons.
2.1
Area Managers must implement Population Protocols for prisons within their area.
2.2
Population Protocols must be agreed with and copied to the Head of Population
Management Unit.
2.3
Establishments must issue local guidance, which makes clear to all staff the requirements
of the Prison Service Order and their individual responsibilities in maintaining order.
2.4
Area Managers must have in place a system for monitoring stability in establishments. This
system, which will be auditable, must apply to all Category C establishments; however Area
Managers may also wish to formally monitor stability in other establishments.
2.5.
Governors must develop a local strategy for the management of prisoners whose behaviour
is difficult or disruptive. (PSO1700 - Segregation)
3.
Protocol Components
3.1.
The Area Population Protocols must include instructions on the following:
3.2.
a)
Initial allocation
b)
Progressive Transfers
c)
Discipline and Security Transfers
d)
Medical/Healthcare needs
e)
Management of prisoners whose behaviour is difficult or disruptive (this includes
known major drug dealers).
f)
Management of prisoner who are non-compliant and/or violent prior to escort (see
annexe B)
g)
Short notification allocations from PMU
Order ref. 237
Issued 05/07/06
PSO 1810
4.
Page 3
Implementation
In establishments, the Population Protocol must be implemented under the supervision of
the Senior Management Team, who must review the performance of the protocol at least
quarterly.
Implementation must take account of the needs of individual prisoners, subject to the overriding need to ensure the safety of the establishment.
This Order replaces IG55/94.
The purpose of IG55/94 was to contribute to the stability of category C prisons. It identified those
category C prisoners most likely to present control problems, Score 3 prisoners. It also set the %
level of Score 3 prisoners each category C prison should hold and determined the physical security
capabilities for each prison.
5.
Control Capability:
The design of prisons and the population mix are important factors in the maintenance of good order
within category C prisons. Prisons have been given a control capability rating based on their ability to
manage prisoners whose behaviour is difficult or disruptive. Control features taken into account
include:

Secure buildings with cellular accommodation

Buildings with good sight lines assisting supervision

Secure internal gates and zonal fencing

Site size and building layout

CCTV and other visual aids
As a result of the category C Physical Security Upgrade Programme, category C prisons have been
assessed as having the following control capability.
Control Capability
Very Good
Bullingdon
Elmley
Holme House
Moorland
Shepton Mallet
Stafford
Order ref. 237
Good
Coldingley
Dartmoor
Everthorpe
Lancaster
Norwich
Risley
Stocken
Wolds
Medium
Acklington
Blundeston
Camphill
Canterbury
Channings Wood
Erlestoke
Featherstone
Guys Marsh
Lindholme
Littlehey
Maidstone
Mount
Onley
Wayland
Wealstun
Wellingborough
Wymott
Poor
Ashwell
Edmunds Hill
Haverigg
Highpoint
Ranby
The Verne
Issued 05/07/06
PSO 1810
Page 4
The Control Capability rating determines the maximum number of potentially difficult prisoners each
establishment should hold as a percentage of their Certified Normal Accommodation.
The research into the 1994 disturbance at HMP Wymott provided analysis of prisoners more likely to
commit disciplinary offences and that a high proportion of such prisoners in any prison will make
disturbances more likely. More recent analysis of the disturbances in Wealstun and Liverpool
supported the findings of the Wymott research that category C prisoners;
1. Under 25 years of age at conviction
2. Serving a sentence of less than 4 years
3. Currently convicted of Robbery or Burglary
Should be identified as Score 3 and as such must be held within set % limits of a prisons’ Certified
Normal Accommodation. These limits are influenced by a prisons’ Control Capability and have been
set at:
Very Good
18%
Good
14%
Medium
10%
Poor
8%
It is recognised that some prisons have varying quality of accommodation, e.g. Ranby, or a population
mix split of VP and Ordinary prisoners, e.g. Acklington and Wymott. In such circumstances prisons
will be able to re-negotiate their % figure with the Area Manager, agreed by the Director of Operations.
Any category C prisoner identified as less than 25 years of age on conviction, serving a sentence of
less than 4 years and convicted of robbery or burglary will be assessed as Score 3. This score is to
be entered in the “Allocation” section of the “Remarks” field of LIDS as #3
Prisons may hold less than their maximum % of Score 3 prisoners. The maximum % must not be
exceeded, except if instructed to do so by PMU following agreement of the Area Manager. Governors
of Category C prisons will monitor their own population and alert allocating prisons and their Area
Manager if the number of Score 3 prisoners is exceeded. Area Offices must in turn advise the
National Operations Unit.
6.
Weighted Scorecard
Area Managers, using the Weighted Scorecard, will measure compliance with the KPT on Score 3
prisoners. Establishments will lose points if they exceed their target of Score 3 prisoners, but will
score zero if they are under target or have been instructed to exceed their target by Population
Management Unit, following agreement with the Area Manager.
7.
Stability Audit
There are other factors that can influence control and it is important there is a mechanism for
monitoring potential disorder. Area Managers must have in place a system for monitoring stability in
establishments in their area. The precise nature of the arrangements, which will be auditable, will be
for Area Managers to determine. They must apply to all Category C establishments; however Area
Managers may decide to implement the arrangements for other establishments in their area. The
Governor will use the Stability Audit information to assess the level of risk. Should the assessment
indicate a Medium or High potential of disorder, Governors are to alert Area Office of their concerns
Order ref. 237
Issued 05/07/06
PSO 1810
Page 5
and provide details of any remedial action being taken or assistance required. Area Managers may
decide to implement similar arrangements in other establishments in their area.
It is expected that Area Managers will respond in every instance of a High Risk assessment. Area
assistance may be mutual aid or the emergency transfer of prisoners. Any requests for emergency
”out of area” transfers must be made by Area to Population Management Unit (PMU), who will identify
the receiving establishments and arrange transport via PECS. Receiving establishments will treat the
transfers as permanent. The F2058 and Inmate Intelligence Card must accompany the escort on all
such transfers.
8.
Managing prisoners whose behaviour is difficult or disruptive.
IG 28/93 has been withdrawn. Governors must develop a Local Security Strategy for the management
of prisoners whose behaviour is difficult or disruptive. Local strategies are to be agreed with Area
Managers and must provide individual case management, the aim being that prisoners achieve an
acceptable level of behaviour within the holding establishment. Where a transfer to an alternative
location is appropriate it must be on a permanent transfer basis. The reasons for transfer and details
of individual case management must be formally recorded and accompany the prisoner. It is
recommended that local strategies include:

Positive dialogue

Use of IEP and compacts and anti-bullying systems

Sentence Planning targets

Internal re-location

Adjudication awards

Segregation

In-Area transfer on a permanent basis.

Out of area transfers (requested by area to PMU) on a permanent basis.
Order ref. 237
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PSO 1810
Page 6
Annex A
STABILITY AUDIT RETURN
HMP
Week commencing
Monday Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Total New Receptions from previous
day
Today's unlock figure
Adjudications
Total number to be heard today
Of these
Number
prisoners
of
assaults
against
Number of assaults against staff
(further details required by Area
when figures appear in this section)
Number of serious incidents reported
over last 24 hours (further details
required by Area when figures
appear in this section)
Number of SIRs submitted over last
24 hours (further details required by
Area when figures are noticeably
higher than the norm)
Number of staff reporting short term
sick today
Number of drug finds over last 24
hours
Number of prisoners in Segregation
(not own interest) today
Number of prisoners in Segregation
on own interest today
Number of prisoners on basic regime
today
Assessment of level of risk posed to
the establishment today (*see below)
*Definition of level of risk
High
Medium
Low
Order ref. 237
There is some concern over an immediate threat to the
stability of the establishment
There is some evidence of increased instability, which
poses a potential threat to the order of the
establishment.
There is no evidence of increased instability, or
instability above the norm.
Issued 05/07/06
PSO 1810
Page 7
Annex B
Management of Non-Compliant and/or Violent Prisoners on Transfer
Where a prisoner has acted in a violent or threatening manner and/or is refusing to be transferred,
every effort must be made to de-escalate the incident and persuade the prisoner to co-operate with
the transfer via the appropriate contract vehicle.
Where the prisoner refuses to comply, the Duty Governor/Director must be contacted; he/she will
decide where the prisoner is to be located whilst a decision on transfer is made. Any prisoner
placed in the segregation unit must be subject to the requirements of PSO 1700.
Once the initial situation has been contained, the Duty Governor/Director must advise the prisoner
of the requirement to transfer. Should the prisoner still refuse, the Duty Governor/Director must
assess the following:
1.
Has the prisoner a valid reason for refusing the transfer? These will be valid only in
exceptional circumstances. The prisoner will be required to provide verifiable details, which
must be checked prior to his being removed from any draft.
2.
If the prisoner has not got an acceptable reason for removal from the draft, then the Duty
Governor/Director must discuss with the receiving prison whether they will hold the space
until another day when special arrangements may be made with the Prisoner Escort
Contractor or if need be a special Prison Service escort can be arranged. Receiving
establishments must be advised of the circumstances and agreement reached that they will
receive the prisoner under restraint if necessary. The name of the person agreeing to
receive the prisoner must be recorded on the F2052 and PER form.
3.
If the space can be held, then the prisoner must be given a further order to attend via
normal transfer methods. If a refusal is still forthcoming then the prisoner is to be placed on
report.
4.
The Duty Governor/Director must liaise with the Group Managers/Central Detail, and
following a full risk assessment determine if the Prisoner Escort Contractor is to be asked to
undertake the transfer. If a special Prison Service escort is to be arranged, there must be
specific guidance on the type of escort vehicle to be used and the required staffing
arrangements.
5.
Where it has been assessed that the Prisoner Escort contractor should undertake the
escort, Population Management Unit must be advised of the situation and they will liaise
with the Prisoner Escort Contractor to establish when the move can take place and advise
the prison accordingly. If the move has to take place before this date, responsibility for the
escort will fall to the prison.
6.
If during the risk assessment it becomes apparent that the prisoner will need to be moved
in a body belt, the escort must be undertaken by the Prison Service.
Note: Prisoner Escort contractors are not authorised to use body belts.
7.
8.
If the escort is to be undertaken by the Prison Service, the escort staff should ensure they
are in possession of three sets of standard cuffs and one body belt (where appropriate).
9.
A Healthcare professional must be in attendance, where available, and certify the prisoner
“fit for transfer” and assess his fitness for being placed into a body belt if necessary.
Order ref. 237
Issued 05/07/06
PSO 1810
10.
Page 8
If the escort is being undertaken by the Prison Service the escorting staff must ensure that
all documentation and equipment is available and tested. They must then order the
prisoner to accompany them on escort and advise him of his requirement to go. Should the
prisoner refuse; the Duty Governor/Duty Director will assess the level of restraint to be
applied and the seating arrangements for the escort. If the prisoner is assessed as posing a
risk of violence a Body Belt may be applied. Where the prisoner refuses to go, but is not
offering violence to staff, double cuffing arrangements must be put in place, in accordance
with Function 2 of the NSF.
NB.
In contracted prisons, the Controller will authorise pre-planned use of control and
restraints, including mechanical restraints.
11.
Where the prisoner is being transferred in a body belt, a member of Health Care staff must
be present throughout the transfer.
12.
The Duty Governor/Controller and appropriate Healthcare Professional must ensure that
the appropriate authority forms are completed and signed, In accordance with Chapters 2
and 4 of PSO 1600. The forms must be passed to the escort for transfer with the prisoner to
the receiving establishment in accordance with guidelines set out in the National Security
Framework document. During the escort, escorting staff must actively review the
continuing need for restraints, as per the requirements of PSO 1600.
13.
Once the escort is ready to leave, the receiving establishment must be advised and the
Police Forces of the Counties the escort will pass through are also advised of the situation,
together with the registration and description of the vehicle. The escort should then be
despatched.
It is essential that the minimum levels of force are used at all times and for the minimal period of
time, but equally so, local prisons cannot allow prisoners to dictate where and when they will be
allocated, as this would undermine the purpose and effectiveness of the establishment’s function.
This protocol will be complied with at all times when dealing with the management of prisoners who
are violent or disruptive on transfer. In cases where vehicles are not immediately available and
need to be obtained, the above processes will be delayed.
Order ref. 237
Issued 05/07/06