Crime Solicitors

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced that dangerous extremists are to be separated from the mainstream prison population – with three separation centres forming part of the wider government strategy to tackle extremism in prisons.

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah published new rules on Friday, which revealed the three new centres would house up to 28 of the most subversive offenders, to prevent any influence over other prisoners.

An amendment to the prison rules laid before Parliament means prisoners can be placed in a separation centre if they are involved in planning terrorism or are considered to pose a risk to national security.

Those who are spreading views that might encourage or influence others to commit terrorism crimes – or anyone whose views are being used in a way which undermines good order and security in prisons – may also be placed in one of the centres.

The first centre will be opened at HMP Frankland in the coming weeks, with two further units to follow at other jails.

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah said:

Any form of extremism must be defeated wherever it is found – and it is right that we separate those who pose the greatest risk, in order to limit their influence over other prisoners.

“These centres are a crucial part of our wider strategy to help tackle extremism in prisons – and ensure the safety and security of both our prisons and the wider public.”

A prisoner will be considered for one of the centres if their behaviour behind bars meets one of the criteria included in the new prison rule – and the level of risk they present can only be managed through separation.

Once in a centre, they will be reviewed by experts every three months – and will only be returned to the mainstream prison population if it is considered that the risk they present has reduced to a level that can be effectively managed there.

The introduction of the centres was one of the principal recommendations of a government-commissioned independent review into extremism in prisons – the vast majority of the recommendations are being implemented.

The government said that it takes the threat of radicalisation and extremism in prisons “extremely seriously” – and has built on the recommendations in the review, to further boost efforts to tackle extremism.

The centres form part of the wider strategy to tackle extremism, which includes the formation of a new directorate for Security, Order and Counter-Terrorism, responsible for monitoring and dealing with the evolving threat of extremism.

There will also be a new unit to analyse intelligence and advise prisons in England and Wales on how to deal with specific threats – as well as instruct and train prison and probation staff on how best to deter offenders from being lured into extremism.

Extremist literature will be banned from prisons, as well as the removal of anyone from communal worship who is promoting dangerous views.

The MoJ is also introducing a new training package, to identify, report and combat extremism, which is being rolled out to all prison officers – as well as pre-employment vetting checks for chaplains and imams.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving terrorism allegations, including preparing or carrying out acts of terrorism, encouraging others to prepare for or carry out acts of terrorism, carrying out acts of terrorism, belonging to a proscribed organisation, fundraising for terrorism, or conspiracy to commit terrorism.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on terrorism charges, call Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.