GANGS IN PRISON VIOLENCE REDUCTION AND REHABILITATION - Catch22
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GANGS IN PRISON VIOLENCE REDUCTION AND REHABILITATION 2019
GANGS IN PRISON
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
CONTENTS
Our award-winning and innovative Gangs and Violence Reduction Custodial Service has been
8 INTERVENTION AND R.O.A.D recognised as highly effective:
1 INTRODUCTION
2 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 11 CONFLICT RESOLUTION
1. BUTLER TRUST AWARD received in 2015 for 3. BUTLER TRUST CERTIFICATE received in
3 IMPACT 11 ONE TO ONES the services provided by HMP Thameside Gang October 2018 for the services provided
4 THE BIGGER PICTURE 12 RESETTLEMENT Service. The Head of Custody referred to the by HMYOI Feltham Gang Service: “There
5 OUR APPROACH 14 OUR TEAM “Commitment, passion and belief” delivered is documented evidence of positive
by our team to create a safer environment at behavioural changes in well over half
7 EARLY IDENTIFICATION
HMP Thameside. Violent incidents reduced of course participants which has had a
from 86 to 26 per month, resulting in 60 fewer positive impact on reducing violence at
victims and “60 fewer families worried about Feltham.”
the safety of their loved ones in custody”.
INTRODUCTION 2. HM CHIEF INSPECTOR OF PRISONS, Peter
Clarke, said: “HMP Thameside’s partnership
with Catch22 to reduce gang violence
was innovative and effective” following an
This brochure offers an insight into the Gangs The latest statistics show violence has inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of
and Violence Reduction Custodial Services we reached record levels in prisons across the Prisons, published in 2017.
currently deliver in prisons across the UK. UK. The supposed security of gang association
is persuasive while imprisoned and gang-
Catch22 works with 65,000 young people and associated prisoners are disproportionately
adults each year, from cradle to career. Across involved in violent incidents.
23 prisons, we work in custody screening and
offender management, through to mediation Effective risk management is essential to
and long-term resettlement. We deliver effective rehabilitation. Without it, prison
services for victims, veterans in custody, and in teams are required to focus on being reactive,
gang intervention. only tackling issues as and when they occur,
rather than being able to build a strategy that
Our work across the social welfare cycle prevents violence in the long term.
means our services are informed by a deep
understanding of the issues that lead people Rehabilitation and resettlement: Our
to crime, gang involvement and ultimately, experience has taught us that to truly reduce
a prison sentence. Our teams draw on the this violence, we must provide an alternative to
expertise of our substance misuse projects, gang life and empower each person to follow
our alternative provision schools, and our child a new path. Our custody-based practitioners
exploitation services, as well as the years of offer a unique opportunity to enable this so
early intervention work we have conducted that on release, each individual has the best
within the justice system. opportunity to successfully settle, and even
thrive, back into society.
1
GANGS IN PRISON
IMPACT OF OUR APPROACH THE BIGGER PICTURE
CATCH22 INSIGHTS FOR WORKING WITH GANG-
33% REDUCTION IN GANG-RELATED
VIOLENCE SINCE THE INTRODUCTION AFFILIATED PRISONERS
In 2018 the Catch22 Gangs OF CATCH22’S GANGS CUSTODIAL
Custodial Service: SERVICE HMP THAMESIDE
1. THE REGION THE PRISON SERVES IS 6. EACH PERSON HAS OTHER ISSUES
3149
21% REDUCTION IN GANG-RELATED
UNIQUE BEYOND THEIR GANG-AFFILIATION
VIOLENCE AT HMP PENTONVILLE
The issues within the community need to Aside from their association with gangs,
be understood by practitioners. these individuals may need additional
help dealing with grief, trauma or the
2. GANG NOMINALS MAY NOT RECOGNISE violence they have likely witnessed.
THAT THEY ARE PART OF A GANG
Early identifications completed Particularly with young gang-affiliated 7. BUILDING TRUST IS HOW WE LEARN
prisoners, they may have been groomed by Only through trusting relationships can we
older members and not yet understand the draw out information and join the dots.
nature of the group they are involved in. It is imperative to set boundaries on what
is shared and to be conscious of how we
296
3. NOT ALL GANG NOMINALS ARE AWARE disclose it when necessary.
OF WHO THEIR RIVALS ARE
Screening and induction meetings should 8. KNOW ABOUT ANY ALIASES OR
be conducted as soon as possible to NICKNAMES A PERSON MIGHT HAVE
prevent potential rivals meeting. An This information will make it easier
individual may not have met the members to follow conversations had between
Participants completed 44 of other gangs but their identity may be prisoners and the conversations prisoners
gang-intervention programmes known to rival gang members, placing have with you.
their safety at risk.
9. ONLINE CONFLICTS CAN SPILL OVER
4. CONFLICTS ARE FOREVER CHANGING INTO REAL LIFE AND SOCIAL MEDIA CAN
Rivals may now be allies in prison and BE A CATALYST FOR SERIOUS VIOLENCE
39
allegiances can change overnight. Although those within the prison should
not have access, new arrivals or those
5. KEEPING AN EYE ON WHO PRISONERS talking to friends outside the prison may
ARE TALKING TO become aware of information regarding
Practitioners should observe where individuals or rival groups.
prisoners ask to be located, and how
Mediations arranged and positive they interact with each other, which can 10. AVOID ASSUMPTIONS
outcomes achieved in every suggest the hierarchy within gangs and Although there are many trends and
single one where potential risks are. patterns we see across our work with gang
nominals, it is vital that we approach all
of our work remembering that every case,
and every person, is unique.
4
GANGS IN PRISON
OUR APPROACH Our service has five distinct elements, each
vitally important to maintaining safety within
the prison and supporting people to change
4. ONGOING 1:1 SESSIONS
Individual sessions allow the gang
practitioners to keep an eye on progress for
their behaviour. the prisoners we are working with.
The Catch22 Gangs and Violence Reduction 1. EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND 5. RESETTLEMENT
Custodial Service supports prison COORDINATED INTELLIGENCE Working closely with resettlement teams,
management by reducing the risk posed Gang practitioners work with new arrivals we can ensure that gang-related issues are
by gang-involved prisoners, and ultimately, to the prison to identify risks and potential taken into account before release and that
reducing the number of violent incidents. points of tension, before putting a plan in prisoners have all the support they need to
place to prevent gang-related incidents. sustain the progress achieved.
Our approach focuses on offering alternatives
to the supposed security and status offered 2. INTERVENTION AND R.O.A.D PROGRAMME Catch22 can be commissioned to deliver all
by gangs, a strategy which research suggests The R.O.A.D (Rehabilitation Offering aspects of the service as a whole, but we
is more effective than the suppression-only Another Direction) programme is delivered also offer elements individually. For example,
approach used in many prisons. as part of all our services. We use a at HMP Brinsford we delivered the R.O.A.D
restorative approach to provide space for programme independently of any other service.
Our service is delivered by gang practitioners individuals to reflect on their experiences
with expertise and knowledge of gangs, their and to set prosocial goals for their lives.
context in the community, and inside the
prison. Gang practitioners identify the specific 3. CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION
nature and impact of gang involvement In the event of a violent incident, our
within the establishment and design targeted Catch22 Custodial Service facilitates
interventions informed by local context and mediation sessions between all parties to
experience. They work within the prison, resolve the issue and find a way forward.
developing intelligence with other prison
teams and arranging resettlement with
services in the community.
Working within, yet independent of, the
prison regime gives Catch22 a unique and
advantageous position. It means we’re able
to build trusted relationships with prisoners, “I AM CONVINCED THAT THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE
without being the ones who directly enforce HAS PREVENTED SERIOUS HARM TO MANY
punishment and security measures.
PRISONERS. IT IS THEIR DRIVE AND THEIR
UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM THAT HAS
MADE THAMESIDE THE SAFE PLACE THAT
PRISONERS NOW CONSIDER IT IS”
John Biggin, former Director of HMP Thameside
5
GANGS IN PRISON
EARLY IDENTIFICATION INTERVENTION AND R.O.A.D
Gang practitioners meet with new arrivals Our teams work closely with Police, National We tailor interventions to each prisoner’s WHAT R.O.A.D ACHIEVES
at the prison to establish potential conflicts, Probation Service, Community Rehabilitation specific needs. Gang practitioners build trust
introduce themselves and start to build a Companies, Court and other agencies to plan with each prisoner in order to address and • An alternative pro-social life direction
relationship with that person. This occurs in advance when any high profile nominal challenge the underlying issues causing their • Identifying positive relationships within
during the induction process, within 48 hours. enters the prison. antisocial behaviour. existing social circles
Practitioners gain sufficient information to
• Improves communication skills in conflict
recommend appropriate residential locations
situations
for a prisoner and necessary movement
restriction, before an individual is moved onto
THE R.O.A.D PROGRAMME - • Teaches participants to gain perspective in
stressful situations
a permanent wing. REHABILITATION OFFERING
• Improves empathy skills
ANOTHER DIRECTION • Develops an understanding of the wider
COORDINATED INTELLIGENCE consequences of violence
Rehabilitation Offering Another Direction • Increases awareness and understanding of
(R.O.A.D) was designed and created by gang the impact of stereotyping and how these
Our teams work with the prison establishment
practitioners at HMP Thameside, and is now are linked to decision making
by collaborating with key departments and
used across all our custodial gangs services.
agencies who are involved in the care and
management of prisoners. HOW IT WORKS
R.O.A.D encourages participants to
We work with senior management teams, evaluate their past choices and address • Facilitated over four days
violence reduction teams and all individuals the consequences of their behaviour. The
• Delivered to approximately 10 to 12
involved in maintaining a safe and secure programme seeks to encourage participants to
prisoners per programme
period in custody. Where required, we consider alternative pro-social life options and
will deliver monthly training sessions opportunities moving forward. • Participants can self-refer or their
to share our learnings and develop involvement can be in their sentence
our programme, specific to the The R.O.A.D programme content is supported planning objectives or Good Order reviews
environment we are in. by findings from Catch22 research conducted • Any individual may take part in our
by our Bristol team, as well as an assessment programme but those with previous gang
of the prison and prisoner focus groups. We affiliation and those who have R.O.A.D
gather feedback from every cohort on how the included in their sentence plan are
programme could be improved, and R.O.A.D prioritised
evolves to reflect current issues and the
latest research. • Attitudinal change is monitored throughout
the programme and individual feedback is
given as required
• Participants’ behaviour is monitored before
and after programme attendance
8
GANGS IN PRISON
Exercises are designed to challenge
negative attitudes, improve ‘active SESSION KEY MESSAGES
listening’ skills, and to give participants CASE STUDY
the opportunity to challenge their own • Group rules
thinking, even in stressful situations. Mike* did not disclose any gang affiliation • Learning agreement
This also allows participants to following his admission to HMP Thameside. • Team work
challenge peers’ behaviour towards • Perception and attitudes
Shortly after he was moved on from the INTRODUCTION AND KEY • Judgement and morals
victims, prison staff and each other. First Night Centre he was targeted by rival CONCEPTS OF R.O.A.D • Awareness
gang members on his wing. This was due to • Behaviour
At HMYOI Feltham, the level of
ongoing gang conflict in the community. • Roles
attitudinal change monitored
throughout the delivery of R.O.A.D Ray attempted to enter Mike’s cell and Ray • Communication/ active listening
shows that since its implementation, threw boiling water on him. • In-cell workbook
there has been a 64% reduction in
those that report being motivated to Two other prisons, associates of Ray, stood
carry weapons in the community upon outside the cell and shouted threats towards • The ripple effect of our actions
release. Being mindful of the huge risks Mike. One of the other prisoners received a cut • Identifying triggers for violence
on the face from Mike. • Choices and options: reassessing
associated with people, particularly
a situation
young people, carrying weapons, this
Following the incident, Mike explained to • Understanding friendships
measure is a considerable result. REFLECTING AND RE-EVALUATING
the practitioners that he had felt threatened • Reasoning and understanding
OUR MOTIVATIONS
Over the page is an example of our by the group and so reacted as described. • Joint enterprise and consequences
programme delivered at HMYOI Further disclosures were made which • Family roles and role models
improved our intelligence on Mike’s history. • Empathy
Feltham.
• What is important to us as people?
Gang practitioners conducted meditation • Reflection on our own situations
between all parties and they all talked
through the actions and thinking which led
to their behaviour. The prisoners agreed • Responsibility
the incident had occurred as a result of • Victim awareness
a misunderstanding and a breakdown in • Perceptions and impact of behaviour
communication. No further incidents have • Discuss headlines on gang and/or youth
occurred between them. THE IMPACT OF OUR ACTIONS violence
• How are today’s youth perceived in the
media?
• How do people get involved in gang
culture?
• Accountability and owning our regrets and
past
“R.O.A.D MAKES YOU REFLECT • Consequential thinking: evaluating the
MOVING ON AND STAYING AWAY
UPON YOUR ACTIONS AND QUESTION FROM CRIME
•
cost and benefit of your choices
Is violence ever justified?
YOURSELF ABOUT WHO YOU REALLY ARE • Support in the community
• Gang exit: support and resources to draw on
AS A PERSON AND WHAT YOUR PARENTS
WOULD WANT YOU TO BE.” Prisoner
10
GANGS IN PRISON
CONFLICT RESOLUTION RESETTLEMENT
CASE STUDY
WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS Rob*, a formally gang-affiliated Catch22’s collaboration with community-based
WITHIN THE PRISON TO REDUCE RISK MEDIATION prisoner in Thameside was organisations facilitates a fully supported transition
employed by the team as a from custody into community. Our focus is to
Catch22 uses conflict resolution techniques, Peer Support Worker (PSW). promote prisoners leaving their gang-affiliated life
leading towards long-term mediation. BRINGING TOGETHER PRISONERS TO His former excellent work as a and wherever possible, we will facilitate participants’
Practitioners research volatile situations and CREATE LASTING CHANGE IN ATTITUDE volunteer following release led pro-social intentions upon release.
discuss the incident with all parties involved. AND BEHAVIOUR to this paid role.
Our work includes ongoing reviews monitoring
This risk assessment is shared with the prison Gang practitioners seek to identify which Rob’s knowledge and deep the progress and behaviour of participants in the
staff in meetings and through weekly and prisoners would benefit from mediation as understanding of the lead up to their release. Our practitioners ensure
monthly reports. part of their daily duties. Intelligence gathered community gang issues gang-related issues are taken into account at the
by gang practitioners enables them to target made him instrumental resettlement plan stage so that the prisoner has
in helping Catch22 all the support they need to sustain the progress
prisoners prior to conflicts escalating into
RISK MANAGEMENT violence. Requests to engage may also come
practitioners identify gang- they have made. Where there are concerns for the
involved prisoners when they individuals peer group and community upon release,
from prisoners directly or from staff across the
first come into custody. we will make recommendations to prison and
prison following an incident.
Our Gangs and Violence Reduction Custodial probation staff, such as suggested exclusion zones.
Mediation helps resolve disputes or ongoing Gang practitioners worked
Services assist with the safety and stability with Rob to map out potential When release is nearing, the team link in with local
of establishments, reviewing conflicts and tensions - whether they’ve arisen within the
prison or have followed prisoners in from the conflicts and ongoing concerns. Youth Offending Services, Community Rehabilitation
conducting regular local research. We have He was often involved in Companies and the National Probation Service to
information sharing agreements in place community. It involves bringing prisoners
together to discuss the incident directly, with mediating conflicts between ensure the successful reintegration of a prisoner
with prison Offender Management Units and rival groups. back into the community.
resettlement teams to work together on an a view to bringing about lasting change and
ongoing basis, sharing our knowledge on issues reducing the risk these prisoners pose to each Rob supported gang
and potential incidents. other. practitioners in delivery
interventions, particularly
in highlighting alternatives
to violence, consequential
thinking, and the negative
ONGOING 1:1 SESSIONS impact of gangs both in
the community and while
in custody. His experience
of prison life afforded him
Catch22 Gangs Custodial Services conduct As prisoners approach the end of their the respect from other
ongoing one to one sessions with gang- sentence, the team link in with the prisoner’s prisoners, allowing them
associated prisoners to monitor their progress Offender Supervisor, Community Offender to relate to his story and
and how they are responding to our work with Manager/ Responsible Officer, as well as the take encouragement that
them. These sessions give us another chance to resettlement teams and external organisations alternative pro-social ways
of living are achievable.
challenge pre-existing negative or pro criminal to encourage and promote gang exit upon
attitudes, and also provide a space for the release from custody.
prisoner to open up and get support.
11
GANGS IN PRISON
CASE STUDY
OUR TEAM - WHAT MAKES A
Following the arrival of a prominent gang nominal at HMP Thameside, Catch22’s
practitioners interviewed the prisoner to establish who his current and historical
GOOD GANGS PRACTITIONER?
conflicts have been with, and in which boroughs and areas, and how these were likely to
cause issues for him.
• RELATABLE Existing Gang Practitioners • HONEST We manage expectations and
Details of these conflicts were raised through the prison’s security and movement believe this is the number one quality avoid making promises we cannot keep. Our
systems, restricting rival prisoners from attending the same activity at the same time. required to be successful in their role. It is role within the prison is specific and limited
However, during mass movement the prisoner was assaulted and hospitalised with a
essential to interact and build trust with and we have to be able to tell prisoners
broken jaw.
prisoners in order to support them. what is and isn’t possible within our remit
While investigating this incident we discovered that rival gang members, one of whom
• KNOWLEDGEABLE It is imperitive to • EXPERIENCED Most of the people gang
had previously stabbed the prisoner in question, were currently in the prison. Our gang
be well-informed and curious about practitioners work with have been through
practitioners arranged a joint meeting with Security, Assistant Directors, Safer Custody,
Violence Reduction and Care and Separation teams to implement a strategy to manage gang culture and specific communities. struggles and hardship in their lives. We
this risk whilst a transfer could be organised. Understanding the landscape is vital to should understand this and the impact
working with these groups. such life experiences can have.
Catch22 recommended that movements be staggered for this prisoner, and that he
should be offered escorted movements. This was put in place by the prison teams and no • PATIENT Working with gang nominals is not • PASSIONATE Being a gang practitioner is a
further incidents have occurred since. a linear process and sometimes, progress tough job, but the belief that we can make
is slow. Gang practitioners give it their a difference is what keeps us going on the
all, even when the impact doesn’t appear toughest days at work.
immediately obvious.
• BALANCED We are as comfortable talking
• RESILIENT Working in a frontline to a Prison Governor as we are talking to a
prison service has its challenges. Gang prisoner and we are able to build trusted
practitioners are able to see the bigger relationships with each. Working for
picture and bounce back from any setbacks Catch22 offers a degree of independence,
experienced by the people we support. but there is also a duty to share information
and keep staff and prisoners safe.
“WE HAVE SEEN THE VALUE OF WORKING
WITH GANG MEMBERS BY USING PEOPLE
WHO CAN GET CLOSE AND UNDERSTAND
BETTER. WE ARE CONVINCED THIS FOCUS HAS
BEEN VITAL IN THE BIG DROP IN GANG VIOLENCE
WE HAVE SEEN.“
John Biggin, former Director of HMP Thameside
CONTACT US:
LISA SMITHERMAN, Director of Justice,
Lisa.Smitherman@catch-22.org.uk
MATTHEW RANDLE, Assistant Director of Justice,
Matthew.Randle@catch-22.org.uk
NEIL BAKER, Assistant Director of Justice,
Neil.baker@catch-22.org.uk
*All case study names in this report have been changed
www.catch-22.org.uk
020 7336 4800
Catch22 charity limited. Registered charity no. 1124127
Company limited by guarantee. Company no. 6577534
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