Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Tackling the Gang Culture


Time to wake up and tackle gangs epidemic

Police crackdown on gang leaders not enough, CSJ warns

A strategy to remove gang leaders following last year’s riots may have created more violence on the streets of British cities, a major report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has highlighted.

The study, which received widespread media coverage and endorsement, reviews political efforts to tackle gangs a year after the riots.

The paper, Time to Wake Up, also highlights an escalation in the number of school pupils being drawn into gangs with children attending classes wearing rival colours.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Veterans in the Criminal Justice System and Mental Health

Self-harm and Attempted Suicide among UK Armed Forces Personnel


Research through 821 telephone interviews was conducted by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research.  Participants were asked about attempted suicide and episodes of self-harm -  http://www.kcl.ac.uk/kcmhr/publications/assetfiles/other/Pinder2011-suicide.pdf

Results indicated a lifetime prevalence of 5.6% for intentional self-harm or attempted suicide.   Intentional self-harm was associated with psychological morbidity (in particular, post-traumatic stress disorder) and adverse experiences in childhood.  Ex-service personnel reported lifetime prevalence more than double that of serving personnel (10.5% vs 4.2%, respectively), indicating that life after service was particularly difficult. 

Importantly, the research indicated that a lifetime prevalence of 5.6% for attempted suicide and self-harm was higher than previous research had suggested.  Furthermore, it highlighted that younger service personnel, those who have experienced adversity in childhood, those with other psychological morbidity and ex-service personnel are more likely to report self-harm behaviours.    

Combat Stress has suggested that we are facing a potential tsunami, with upwards of 50,000 veterans suffering mental health illness.  One is left asking why these increases are occurring and why so many individuals are being failed.   Whilst those with physical injuries are receiving the best possible initial care and support, those with mental health issues are clearly being let down.  As a consequence, many are also experiencing family breakdown, the wider care and health costs of which will continue to rise!

Official Defence Analytical and Advice (DASA) Figures -

The MOJ estimates that approximately 75% - 80% of prisoners suffer with some degree of mental health illness.  This condition is particularly relevant for veterans.

In Sep 10 DASA research indicated that the percentage of military veterans in custody was approximately 4% of the total prison population - 3,500.  This research was based upon two incomplete data base that were not originally intended for cross referencing.  Furthermore, the figures did not include Scotland and NI, Reservists or Early Service Leavers (ESLs).

Critically, the original research represented only a snap shot of the numbers on a given date.  Importantly, it failed to recognise the fluid nature of the prison population with approximately 150,000 prisoners entering and leaving custody each year.  Using the DASA figures against the flow of prisoners, suggests that 6,000 veterans could have entered custody during 2010.   

More recent anecdotal evidence from various prisons suggests that veteran prisons numbers have increased and range between 6% and 8%.   As examples, approximately 11% of prisoners in HMP Leyhill are veterans.   In HMP Exeter there are currently 23 veterans (4.5%), of whom 60% have been diagnosed with PTSD. 

Similar evidence is being identified by Probation.  When recognising an annual Probation Service Managed Offender Group of 241,000 offenders, the overall numbers of veterans on Community Orders could be as many as 12,000 – 14,000. 

When combining prison and probation numbers, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the average annual total entering and leaving the CJS is in excess of 18,000.  Once again, these numbers do not include Scotland, NI, reservists or those less than 18 yrs of age that may include ESLs.  In addition, it is estimated that 10% -12% of the homeless population are veterans.  Many of these will end up being involved in criminal activity and alcohol / substance misuse. 

Armed Forces Covenant - Extract from the MOD Web Site

‘The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the Nation, the State and the Armed Forces.  It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

It exists to redress the disadvantages that the Armed Forces community faces in comparison to other citizens, and to recognise sacrifices made.   In some cases this will require special consideration, especially for those who have given the most such as the injured and the bereaved.

The principle behind the Covenant is that the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage because of its military experience.  In some cases, such as the sick, injured or bereaved, this means giving special consideration to enable access to public or commercial services that civilians wouldn’t receive.  The Covenant covers issues from housing and education to support after Service.  It is crucial to the Government that it, and the nation, recognises the unique and immense sacrifices military personnel / veterans have made for their country.’

Summary

The number of veterans suffering with various levels of mental health issues, inflicting self-harm, experiencing family breakdown and entering the criminal justice system is growing and represents a particularly unique group of service users.  The majority have faced significant dangers and pressures, often putting their lives on the line in defence of the country.   Within the spirit enshrined within the Armed Forces Covenant, they and their families deserve better.  Like those with multiple physical injuries, they need access to specialist intervention and rehabilitation programmes, not simply punitive punishment; they have surely been punished enough! 

Providing access to such provision will enable the majority to quickly change their lives, gain employment, re-establish family links and again become the proud and worthy citizens they once were.   In times of severe austerity, it would also provide a relatively simple ‘Win’ ‘Win’ financial outcome.

Veterans Change Partnership

Working in the spirit of the Devon Community Covenant, here in Devon efforts are being made to establish a new partnership, The Veterans Change Partnership, with the aim of providing appropriate re-habilitation courses and alternatives to custody and probation for veterans.  The organisations currently expressing interest include:-

Alabare’ Christian Care and Support
CTCRM
Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust
Devon County Council
Exeter City Council
Devon PCT
Exeter City YMCA
Gilead
Grow4Good SW Ltd
Homemaker
House of Heroes
Hush Farms Ltd
Job Centre Plus
Life Change Initiative
NOMS / HMP Service
Occombe Farm
PTSD Resolution
Shekinah
St Loyes Trust
The Langley House Trust
Torbay Council
The Warrior Programme

The programme would include an intensive residential phase of personal development, life, functional and social skills training, followed by peer mentored support into accommodation, further training and work.

Recognising veterans and their families as a unique and particularly deserving user group, the concept meets the spirit enshrined within the Military and Community Covenants, the Safer Community Partnership and Families agendas.

Importantly, with their background in training and personal discipline, when placed in the right environment, this group of offenders would be particularly suitable for such a programme, enabling them to quickly return to productive work and lives.

The keys to starting the programme are political support at a local level and initial pump priming finance, all of which is being sought.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Veterans and the Justice System: The Next Forensic Frontier

There is a growing recognition of the unique clinical challenges of veterans, the likelihood and risk of veterans’ involvement in the criminal justice system, and the need for forensic assessment and treatment that show a better understanding of veterans’ needs. Focused and thoughtful attention to the mental health needs of veterans, in this author's opinion, represents the next frontier of forensic practice.

This report by Debra A. Pinals, MD, reflects research in the USA - http://www.jaapl.org/content/38/2/163.full#sec-6 .  We would be naive to think that similar issues are not reflected in the UK military and Justice systems.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Managing PTSD - Trauma on Film

I wonder how many people would be able to manage their thoughts and feelings when faced with a situation such as this - http://db.tt/90Yhm9s5 .  Yet all we do is eventually lock them up!

Numbers of Military Veterans in the Justice System continue to Rise


Extract from the MOD web site

‘The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the Nation, the State and the Armed Forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

It exists to redress the disadvantages that the Armed Forces community faces in comparison to other citizens, and to recognise sacrifices made. In some cases this will require special consideration, especially for those who have given the most such as the injured and the bereaved.

The principle behind the Covenant is that the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage because of its military experience. In some cases, such as the sick, injured or bereaved, this means giving special consideration to enable access to public or commercial services that civilians wouldn’t receive. The Covenant covers issues from housing and education to support after Service. It is crucial to the Government that it, and the nation, recognises the unique and immense sacrifices military personnel / veterans have made for their country.’
 
Increasing Numbers of Veterans in the Justice System

Nick Wood is a former senior Prison Officer and national point of contact for all Veterans in Custody (VIC) Support Officers.   He now runs a consultancy business as a Veterans Awareness & Interventions Training Provider.  During his time at HMP Everthorpe (2009 - 2011) he compiled 18 months worth of hard data, making face to face contact with Veterans, whilst also collecting similar data from other VIC Support officers in England and Wales. 

The figures included regulars, reservists and those under 18 who may have left as Early Service Leavers (ESLs).  Over 18 months the average percentage of veterans in HMP Everthorpe was between 5% and 6% of the prison’s numbers.  Figures from other prisons in the Yorks and Humber area were similar. 

More recent figures from various prisons around the country, including HMP Bristol suggest as many as 8% of the prison population are now military veterans.  Of note, approximately 11% of those in HMP Leyhill are veterans.   In HMP Exeter there are currently 23 veterans (4.5%).   60% of these have been diagnosed with PTSD and 20% were convicted within 9-12 months of an operational tour in Afghanistan and or Iraq.  Interestingly, most offences were linked to alcohol.
 
Historically within HMP Doncaster (A Local Remand Prison with a high turnover short duration and average stay approximately 13 weeks) there are on average 30 veterans at any one time.  One of the governors has highlighted a further national problem in identifying veterans.   Many are unwilling to say that they are a veteran; even those attending some of the focus groups in prison stated they wished to keep their identity to themselves when they first arrived:  -  ‘Hero to Zero’ embarrassment; avoiding being targeted by other prisoners; maintaining a 'Grey Man' defence. 

Official Defence Analytical and Advice (DASA) Figures  

In Jun 09 the MOD and MOJ released DASA research figures indicating that the percentage of veterans in custody was 3.5% of the prison population.   In Sep 10 this was revised to 4%. 

Critically, this research was flawed.  It was based upon two incomplete data base that were not originally intended or designed for cross referencing.  Furthermore, the figures did not include Scotland and NI, Reservists or ESLs. 

Importantly, the original research represented only a brief snap shot of the numbers on a given day in Jun 09 and Sep 10.   This failed to recognise that the prison population is fluid with approximately 150,000 prisoners entering and leaving custody each year.   Based upon the Jun 09 DASA figures of 3.5%, this suggests that 5,250 veterans could have entered custody during that year.   Using Mr Wood’s data and an average of 5.5%, that number would rise to approximately 8,250.  To this we need to add those in Scotland and NI + reservists and ESLs. 

When including similar percentages of 5% - 6% as part of the Probation Service Managed Offender Group of 241,000 offenders, the overall numbers of veterans on Community Orders could be as many as 12,000 – 14,000. 

When combining prison and probation numbers, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the average total within the CJS is in excess of 22,000. 

Other Statistics 

Criminal Justice Annual Statistics 

In the 12 months ending March 2012, the annual Criminal Justice Statistics report stated that 1.96 million individuals were given an out of court disposal or proceeded against at court. These figures include Police, Probation, Courts and Prison – see page 4 @  http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/criminal-justice-stats/criminal-justice-stats-march-2012.pdf

Whilst acknowledging that there will be exceptions and that there will probably be some level of polarisation within the various service user groups, if one applied the DASA 3.5% figures against this data, in theory there could be over 35,000 veterans within the CJS at any one time.   If one then used the 5% - 6% figures, the total could rise to 50,000.   

Once again, such numbers would not include those in Scotland, NI, reservists or those under 18 yrs that may include ESLs.  Either way, the potential numbers are very disturbing and fly in the face of the spirit enshrined within the Armed Forces Covenant.  

Kent Police Study

In 2010 Kent Police conducted a 3 month study during which they arrested 232 ex-service personnel.    73 were for violent offences and just under40% were unemployed.   About four in 10 were aged between 18 and 29. 

In a study of 90 veterans on probation or parole, it was found that one-in-three suffered from chronic alcohol abuse with one-in-ten abused illegal drugs.  

Summary 

The number of veterans within the CJS is significantly higher than that suggested by the MOJ and MOD.  The reasons for individuals entering the CJS are numerous and well documented.  Importantly, many veterans end up within the justice system years after leaving the service.   Faced with this evidence, one is left asking why they are not being adequately supported to avoid such an outcome? 

Within the spirit of the Armed Forces Military Covenant, the state has an obligation to undertake and provide special support and rehabilitation to veterans.  Those with physical injuries are receiving the best possible care and support; however, those with other issues, including mental health, are not. 

Conclusion

The number of military veterans within the CJS is growing and represents a unique group of service users.   Within the spirit enshrined within the Armed Forces Covenant, they both deserve and need access to specialist intervention and rehabilitation programmes.   Providing access to such provision will save large sums of CJS money and enable the majority to quickly change their lives, gain employment and once again become proud and worthy citizens.  It would provide a simple ‘Win’ ‘Win’ outcome for the veterans, their families and the Nation.