The Management of Dangerous and Difficult Prisoners

Abstract

Abstract: The problem of how to manage those prisoners who refuse to conform to standard prison rules and regulations has received considerable attention recently, particularly in Britain and in North America. This article describes some of the strategies adopted in Canada and the United States and contrasts them with developments in Scotland. It concludes that there should be a prior statement of the objective of any alternative unit for this type of prisoner, that its regime should be clearly defined, that a clear definition of what constitutes a difficult or dangerous prisoner should be agreed and that the wider implications of managing this type of prisoner should be publicly appreciated.