Abstract
This article offers an evaluation of the use of volunteers in providing accountability of state detention in the prison system of England and Wales through a review of their efforts to monitor the humane and just treatment of those held in custody. A content and dialogical analysis was conducted on 280 reports submitted to the Secretary of State to analyze their practice of reporting and monitoring of equality and diversity. The article argues that the use of volunteers is appropriate to performing monitoring functions that act to enhance intelligent accountability, but volunteers are ineffective for the purposes of improving technical accountability. Evidence suggests some role confusion and use of volunteers for the achievement of both intelligent and technical accountability. The use of volunteers for the latter may result in poor quality repetition of other reporting mechanisms. In addition, it is argued that members require better training, and clearer communications concerning expectations from their reporting functions, which in turn is linked to the quality of their monitoring. The volunteers’ monitoring and surveillance of the detention estate can be more than symbolic and may act as a crucial antidote to technical accountability, furthering the humane and just treatment of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
Highlights
The privatization of punishment through the use of private prisons dominated criminological debate in the late 20th century
The analysis indicates a number of Boards failed entirely to comply with the requirements to provide mandatory reports on equality and diversity, for example, Liverpool (2009), Huntercombe (2010), Stoke Heath (2010), Wolds (2010), North and Midlands (2009, 2010), and Heathrow (2010)
The absence of a report is regrettable and a missed opportunity to detail the situation at these locations notable for their highly diverse populations; Liverpool is one of the largest prisons in Western Europe, Stoke Heath is a Young Offender Institute (YOI), Heathrow is the largest airport in the United Kingdom, and North and Midlands comprises a number of short-term holding facilities including Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester International Airports
Summary
The privatization of punishment through the use of private prisons dominated criminological debate in the late 20th century (see Anderson, 2009; Friedman & Parenti, 2013; James, 1997; Logan, 1990; McDonald, 1990; Ryan & Ward, 1989). It has stirred many academics and commentators and will continue to do so, while the punishment of those who the state labels criminal remains split between the public and private spheres.
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