EFFECT & CAUSE by KEN CLARKE

 

by TheJusticeofthePeace @ 03. Dec. 2010. – 09:34:09

I watched a recent [30/11/2010] BBC Newnight programme on i player. It was broadcast from a prison. Statements were made by and questions were asked of the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke who expounded his views and tried sometimes with great difficulty to counter points put to him by various knowledgeable people including a couple of ex cons one of whom had spent more than half his life behind bars.

Mr Clarke`s usual bluster was at times exposed for what it was…..bluster. He began by saying the effect of his proposed changes would be to reduce the prison population by 3,000. Did I mishear him over the last few months when he has explicitly stated that his primary objective was to take 3,000 out of prison? He has now it seems decided that effect precedes cause. He admitted he will find it difficult to calculate success of his proposals or their costs.

The thinking process of the short term recidivist prisoner who had been in for theft from a shop was clearly revealed when he described it as a “no victim” crime. People with this mind set have no idea what “victim” trauma or harm to society is about unless the crime they`re discussing actually causes a person physical harm. And finally the old lag wanted prisoners on their release to be offered proper jobs in the community………..and of course has no thought about trade unions, minimum wage and economic meltdown.

This whole discussion is predicated on the supposed cost of keeping somebody in jail as approaching £40K p/a. This figure has been totally debunked by statistical analysis but I cannot remember from what source. What I do know is that the £40K would be much less if the criminal activity prevented by incarceration were costed into the equation.

As usual it is as much a guessing game as backing the winner of the 2018 World Cup Final.

ADDENDUM 16/12/2010
It was a one way bet but it`s still a glowing feeling to know that the convolutions put about by Kenneth Clarke were rumbled by this blogger and doubtless many others. At yesterday`s Commons Justice Select Committee grilling the Rt Hon QC finally admitted that his prime purpose was to put the financial cart ahead of the rehabilitative horse. In plain language his nonsensical statements of the last few months that as a matter of consideration to re-offending rates and the ineffectiveness of short sentences he wanted to reduce the prison population by 3,000 and as a result costs would be lowered can now be seen by all as what it was...political disassembling of the first order. In his own words he told the Committee that the explosion in prison numbers had to be stopped and contained for financial reasons.

An admission of this nature, although awaited by many observers, would be the end of employment for many employees. Truly the mores of politics and politicians are such that most honest people despair.