Stop Military Veterans going to Prison - e-petition

In writing the petition, it is important to understand that an e- petition is limited to 1000 characters. It is a complex issue and not easy to set out in a short statement. In the first instance my aim was to generate interest. My intention now is to promote increased reflective thought and debate.

I am not suggesting that prison does not have a role. In the few extreme examples that individuals have given privately - major violent robbery, murder etc; prison will be inevitable. Regrettably, some people have become so damaged by their experiences in life they are indeed a danger to society and do need to be kept in a secure environment, albeit preferably one that can help them to change. Equally, I am not suggesting that the consequences of committing crime should not involve some form of punishment. I am however suggesting that the majority of people who enter the justice system are not dangerous. Rather, they made a mistake, often as a result of alcohol abuse and the lack skills, ability and support to get their lives back on track. Emotions surrounding guilt, shame, loss of self esteem, confidence and mental depression all tend to rise in prominence. It is estimated that approximately 70% of the prison population suffer with some form of mental illness. By simply adopting a punitive approach and locking people up, we merely re-enforce the same thoughts and feelings; nothing changes. The damaging impact that all this has on families and the wider society tends to be ignored, resulting in the children going on to experience similar thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Once again, the financial costs are enormous.

Following the Falklands war, more people who fought during the war subsequently committed suicide than were killed during the fighting. Others became homeless and offended.

Notwithstanding the often high levels of combat related stress experienced in NI, UK forces, particularly land and air forces, have now been involved in continuous and major levels combat for the last 19 years (Balkans, two Iraq wars and Afghanistan). Evidence is showing that financial, social and human costs are profound. It is therefore essential that we address these issues. Punishment by itself fails to achieve this; I believe that our veterans deserve better.

Stop Military Veterans going to Prison - e-petition

The following e-petition has been published. Please support it by signing and telling others; thank you - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29422

Responsible department: Ministry of Justice

The number of veterans in prison and on probation in England and Wales continues to rise. Estimates vary from official 2009 figures of 3.5% to unofficial but soundly based estimates of between 10-14% today. These do not include Scotland, Ireland and elsewhere. Whichever are the more accurate, veterans represent the largest occupational group in the Justice System. Many suffer with combat related mental health issues and struggle to settle into civilian life. Many families experience breakdown, veterans become homeless, ending up in the criminal justice system. When recognising the Military Covenant and that our veterans and their families have served with courage, honour and pride, they surely deserve better than prison. We therefore respectfully ask Parliament to legislate for veteran offenders to be seen as a special case, so as to avoid prison and to be supported back into society.

Veteran Offenders - Government figs in Doubt

An official Defence Analytical Services and Advice (MoD) and MoJ report was published on 25^th January 2010 describing the percentage of prisoners in England and Wales who are former Armed Forces personnel (veterans). The report suggested that 3.5% of this prison population are veterans. These figures have now been put in question by Dr Keith Horsted, Director of the Saraswati Project, an International Research Company.

Dr Horsted says that the government’s figures fail to acknowledge other countries where veterans may be imprisoned (Scotland, Northern Ireland or elsewhere). It therefore does not reflect the overall percentage of UK veterans in the prison system. He goes on to describe that: -

• The figures are simply an estimate of the matches between a MoD database of service leavers and a MoJ database of prisoners at that time. Importantly, the MoD database is incomplete as it does not have information of service leavers from the Army, Air Force and Navy prior to 1973, 1969 and 1979 respectively

• The figures are also a snapshot of the two databases on 6^th November 2009 – they do not reflect any trends throughout a given period of time or an indication as to the overall number of veterans entering and leaving the prison system.

• The figures do not include reservists or female service leavers.

• 6.8% of the figures did not include a rank in their entry and therefore fail to provide accurate figures by rank.

• Missing service leavers are not included in the detailed figures relating to offence or period since leaving the Service.

• Only 22% began their sentence within 5 years of leaving Service, suggesting that the majority of the offences occur post 5 years of leaving the Service.

Dr Horsted suggests anecdotal evidence from various prisons indicate that numbers are much higher and that official figures are not sufficiently robust to be used with any degree of confidence.

Some prisons have reported between 10% - 14% of their prisons are veterans. Similar issues exist with number of veterans on probation. Critically, it is clear that veterans represent the largest single employment group within the justice system and that, in respect of the Military Covenant, the UK is seriously failing many of its former military personnel and their families.

There is an urgent need to conduct more detailed research and to provide an alternative to prison and probation for those who in many cases have risked their lives for their country.

If ever in doubt!

If ever anybody was in doubt about the work of our military in Afghanistan, please take a look at this short film - about 45 Commando Royal Marines .

Having done so, please go on to remember the impact that combat has had on so many of our troops, including those who have been imprisoned! Remember the Military Covenant? To imprison our veterans surely cannot be right!

Reducing Re-offending by Veterans - Failing the Military Covenant

Insider information suggests that the current Prison Service National Offender Management Information System is flawed as not all assessments are including data on veterans on reception into the prison system. This is apparently down to lack of staff and time restraints.

"HM Prison Service is well aware of the high numbers of Veterans in the prison system, but a state of denial is being maintained as there are far reaching issues and ramifications if they lift the lid on this can of worms"!

Although some prisons have instigated veteran support groups, Michael Spur (Head of NOMS) has directed that Veterans will not be given any priority treatment whilst in the prison system. This decision fails to acknowledge the special needs and circumstances of veterans, particularly those suffering with combat related mental trauma and depression, often years after leaving the military. Only those who have personal experience of high intensity combat can understand the damaging impact this can have.

When will the PM and other Ministers recognise the special needs of veterans and the nation's failure to apply the Military Covenant? Having put their lives on the line for their country, veteran offenders and their families deserve better.

Reducing Re-offending - Children in Care

Statistics published by the Department for Education in September 2011 show that there are over 65,000 children in care, an increase of 5,000 in the last decade, while the number of adoptions has declined.

The report goes on to describe how children in the care of local authorities are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. The proportion of care leavers not in education, employment or training increased to 33 per cent in 2011. Furthermore, looked after children are more likely to suffer emotional or mental health problems, with estimates between 45 to 60 per cent compared to 10 per cent of children on average.

As part of a renewed focus on looked after children, the government is supporting local partnerships to develop a range of intensive cost effective and evidence-based interventions for children in care or custody.

Let us hope that this renewed effort will also see increased support for those children with parents already in the Justice system. By investing in the rehabilitation of parents we will generate savings in the ongoing costs associated with children in care.