The Pains of Indeterminate Imprisonment for Families: Changing Policy and Informing Practice
The Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence has been fraught with issues and tragedies since it was introduced in 2005. It was abolished in 2012 – but only prospectively, leaving thousands of people serving a discredited sentence. It resulted in many people serving sentences much longer than their tariff, with often-tragic consequences as self-harm and suicide among IPP prisoners is high. So 3,400 IPP prisoners remain incarcerated, 1,400 of whom have been released and then recalled.
Dr Harry Annison has researched and raised the profile of the ongoing issues, bringing invaluable support for the families of IPP prisoners whose experiences and views had been ignored. The resulting report, A Helping Hand , set out detailed findings and recommendations in relation to the prison service, probation service, Parole Board, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) psychology, and voluntary sector organisations that support prisoners and their families.
Photo Credit: University of Southampton