Categorisation
Many prisoners have heard of the categorisation system but may not understand how or why they are put into a particular security category. We are experts in categorisation and re-categorisation. It is vitally important that the prison authorities get it right as categorisation can impact on you throughout your stay in prison. If you want us to assist we can.
It is important to make the right representations bearing in mind the restricted opportunity to do so. Contact a member of FIRSTPRISONS immediately in order that you are put in the best and most suitable prison for your circumstances.
Not many prisoners or their families realise that in most cases they are entitled to FREE legally aided Prison Law Representation whilst they are serving a prison sentence. We have a contract with the Legal Services Commission in Prison Law matters.
You might be in prison, but that does not mean you do not have rights – let us voice them for you. Call FIRSTPRISONS, we will not let them throw away the key.
Male prisoners
Male prisoners are now classified within one of four categories from A to D. Category A prisoners the most are subdivided into 3 further categories: standard risk, high risk and exceptional risk. Category A prisoners are reviewed by the Category A Review Team (CART) and a committee at Prison Service Headquarters. Category B and C prisoners have their category reviewed in their holding prison.
Female prisoners and young offenders
Female prisoners and young offenders are not categorised (unless they are Category A prisoners). Female prisoners are either assessed as suitable for closed conditions or open conditions.
Prisoners must be categorised objectively according to the likelihood that they will escape and the risk that they pose if they do so. The different security categories are as follows:
- Category A - Prisoners whose escape would be highly dangerous to the public, the Police or the security of the State, no matter how unlikely that escape might be;
- Category B - Prisoners for whom the very highest conditions of security are not necessary but for whom escape must be made very difficult
- Category C - Prisoners who cannot be trusted in open conditions but who do not have the resources or the will to make a determined escape attempt
- Category D - Prisoners who can reasonably be trusted in open conditions
Category A prisoners must have their security category reviewed by the Director of High Security Prisons as soon as practical after sentence. CART makes an initial recommendation of whether a prisoner should remain in a category A prison.
The prisoner or his representative can make representations and the matter will be considered by the review team.
The first review of the security category takes place two years after the completion of the first formal review. If it can be demonstrated that there is a reduced risk, an earlier review may be possible, we can advise you about this happening.
Determinate sentence prisoners
Determinate category B and C sentence prisoners serving sentences of four years and over are entitled to have their security category reviewed yearly.
Those serving between 12 months and 4 years are entitled to a review every six months.
Prisoners serving the last 30 months of their sentence should also have their category reviewed every 6 months.
Category D prisoners are not subject to reviews but there will be a re-categorisation review if there is a change in the prisoner’s circumstances or any “bad” behaviour. This normally results in a return to closed conditions.
Governors must follow a prescribed process during the categorisation review. Most Governors will consider any representations made by or on behalf of a prisoner as part of the assessment process. This is where we can help.
Life sentence prisoners
Life sentence prisoners have their security category reviewed annually by lifer managers at the prison following sentence planning review boards. The assessment process is similar to that adopted for determinate sentence prisoners.
Re-categorisation to category D will occur following a successful application to the Parole Board, and approval by the Secretary of State. It is important to make representations in the best possible way bearing in mind the restricted opportunity to do so. This is what we can do for you.
You might be in prison, but that does not mean you do not have rights – let us voice them for you. Call FIRSTPRISONS, we will not let them throw away the key.
