For two years to December 2014 the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies was the United Kingdom partner on a pan-European project: the European Prison Observatory. The purpose of the European Prison Observatory was to investigate and compare prison conditions, share better practice and promote the adoption of the National Preventative Mechanism and respect for human rights in prisons management across the European Union.

Perspectives from inside: A report from HMP Grendon and HMP Barlinnie

In this report Abigail Amey, Zoe Ellis and Will McMahon summarise the views of those who attended two events held at HMP Grendon, in June 2014, and HMP Barlinnie, in October 2014, as to how far UK prisons follow the European Prison Rules as recommended by the Council of Europe.

We held three workshops following different themes during the course of each day. Those attending the events included prisoners, prison staff, voluntary sector providers and researchers: the report is focussed on their views and responses to the workshops.

Click on the image to download this report.

From national practices to European guidelines: interesting initiatives in prison management

In November 2014 a new eight country report on promising examples of better prison practice was given its UK launch at the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.

From national practices to European guidelines contains examples of positive and interesting initiatives that support the development of a human rights agenda in prisons across the European Union.

It also includes ten suggested guidelines for improving human rights in prisons across the European Union.

Click on the image to download this report.

Prison in Europe: overview and trends

Prison in Europe: overview and trends offers a unique overview of the prison system across eight European countries: France, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Click on the image to download this report.

   

National reports

From national practices to European guidelines draws on eight individual country reports on prison conditions in selected European Union Countries. Download the respective report by clicking on the images below.

France Greece Italy Latvia
       
Poland Portugal Spain United Kingdom
       

National conference

On 16 December 2014 we held a national conference at our offices. The conference examined the United Kingdom’s record on meeting its international obligations to prevent the mistreatment of prisoners and others held against their will.

Click on the image to download Roger Grimshaw's presentation on torture prevention in the United Kingdom

Click on the image to download Will McMahon's presentation on the consultation events we held in two prisons: Grendon and Barlinnie.