Prisoners may work `outside'

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 16th Jan 2004.

THE new governor of Erlestoke Prison near Devizes hopes to reintroduce prisoners working in the local community.

Clive Broom, who took over at the 426-inmate low risk prison in October, says the jail is conducting research to see if up to 12 prisoners can be allowed out during the day to work for local firms.

Mr Broom, 41, said the scheme would need approval from the Prison Service and any prisoners thought suitable to take part would be rigorously checked to ensure they did not pose a security risk.

The participating prisoners would be reclassified as Category D prisoners, while the rest of the prisoners would remain Category C.

Erlestoke, which employs 225 staff, used to house both Category C and D prisoners. Category D prisoners were able to work in the community.

But in November 2000 the prison changed to be a Category C prison only, stopping prisoners from working outside the jail.

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