Tied up like a kipper: mentally disordered offenders and the parole process

This article examines the plight of mentally disordered offenders who are considered by the parole board. The study arose out of the increased focus by the public, government and practitioners on whether parole board decisions, and the risk assessments that inform those decisions, protected the public sufficiently. The Home Office observed three parole board sittings, with each parole board considering 24 prisoner dossiers for all probation areas in England and Wales. The key findings are summarised. It is concluded that mentally disordered offenders continue to be assessed in a more negative manner than others applying for parole licence; and that a preoccupation with risk and dangerousness has resulted in less of a focus on self-harm and suicide.

Also presented as a paper at the British criminology Conference in Huddersfield, 2008 andd at the European Criminology Network Conference held at Middlesex University in February 2009.