Does prison work?

1 The purpose, efficacy and regulation of prisons

Richard Sparks presents a series of views about the purpose, efficacy and regulation of prisons. The audio programme was recorded in 2001.

Participants in the audio programme were:

  • Richard Sparks Professor of Criminology at the University of Keele and is now Professor of Criminology at the University of Edinburgh;

  • Rod Morgan Professor of Criminal Justice at Bristol University;

  • Larry Viner a London magistrate;

  • Alison Liebling an academic at the Institute of Criminology, Cambridge;

  • Tim Newell Governor of Grendon Open prison;

  • Eric Cullen head of Psychology at Grendon Prison;

  • David Wilson head of operational training for the Prison Service.

Activity 1

After listening to the audio programme bear in mind the following questions:

  • How has the programme added to your knowledge of the prison system?

  • What do you now think the purpose of imprisonment should be?

  • Why do you think Grendon ‘works’?

Does prison work? part 1 (11 minutes 7 MB)

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Does prison work?

Does prison work? part 2 (6 minutes 4 MB)

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Does prison work? part 2

Does prison work? part 3 (13 minutes 8 MB)

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Does prison work? part 3