Correctional centres strategy aimed at improving inmates’ situation

AMMAN — The 2014-2016 National Strategic Plan for Correctional and Rehabilitation Centres was launched on Monday to improve the situation of inmates in prison and after their release.

The plan, which is based on best international practices, was jointly prepared by the Correctional and Rehabilitation Centres (CRCs) administration, Penal Reform International (PRI), the Public Security Department (PSD) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Drafted to create a safe and humane prison environment that is based on human rights, the plan focuses on the need to reform the behaviour of inmates through enhancing the quality of services provided to them, according to stakeholders.

“The main goal of the plan is to reduce crime and implement strategies ensuring that repeat offenders break the cycle of crime, which can only be possible through improving the efficiency of programmes applied in prisons,” PRI Regional Director Taghreed Jaber said at a ceremony on Monday to launch the strategy.

The plan entails providing CRCs with qualified and trained human resources, amending legislation governing these facilities, developing infrastructure to be in line with international standards and building partnerships with the concerned stakeholders to provide better services to inmates.

“Investing in inmates is an investment for the sake of society,” noted Brig. Gen. Mahmoud Abu Jomaa, assistant director of the PSD’s judicial police, stressing the importance of the plan, which also stipulates increasing vocational and academic training courses for inmates.

The strategy also outlines the specific duties of each institution and the expected outcomes of applying each measure.

During Monday’s ceremony, a learning manual to follow a human rights approach at the CRCs administration was launched.

The guide will be taught as part of the administration’s training for all cadres in a bid to train them on ways to deal with prisoners and address their problems from a human rights perspective.

“The training material was prepared by specialised professors, and officers will sit in classrooms as if they have returned to school,” CRCs Administration Director Brig. Gen. Walid Battah said.