Justice race review visits Cardiff Prison
CARDIFF Prison’s black, Asian and ethnic minority inmates are “happier” than those in other prisons, according to an MP leading a government review of racism in the justice system.
On a visit to Cardiff Prison, David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham, who was appointed to head the review by David Cameron, said others could learn from the jail’s good practice.
Meeting black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) inmates, Mr Lammy said there was a perception among them that the justice system was racially biased and largely run by white people.
BAME inmates make up more than a quarter of prisoners, even though they form 14% of the wider population of England and Wales. In Cardiff Prison, 98 of the 773 inmates are black, Asian and ethnic minority, which is more than 12% of the total.
Mr Lammy said he was not reaching any conclusions before his review is published but said inmates told him “they feel the system is rigged”.
Talking to Cardiff inmates, including black prisoners Erafah Joof, 24, and Jason Agyekun-Sah, 23, Mr Lammy said they believed they were discriminated against in the legal system because they were young black men.
BAME prisoners often complain that their lawyers, the prosecution, judge, jury and prison officers are white, he added.
“There is a perception of unfairness. I have to inquire what is really going on and will report back next spring. It is vital that I investigate all parts of the justice system across the country to make sure I see the full picture of race in our courts and prisons. In Cardiff, in general, BAME prisoners are happier in this prison than they are in other prisons in the country. So there is good practice to learn from.
“In Wales there is a BAME population of 4%, but in the prison system they make up 11 or 12% so it is a twofold increase. So you do see a disproportionate number of BAME prisoners in Wales as well.
“It is interesting speaking to prisoners. The way they feel they are treated in the prison here is higher (sic) than in England. Generally they feel they are treated by staff in a fair and friendly manner, but they have a strong feeling the court system is unfair to their particular case.
“In Cardiff the general feeling is quite positive in relation to the prison and the relationship between prisoners and officers.”
Cardiff Prison governor Darren Hughes said staff worked hard to forge good relations.
“We have recently had a Monitoring Quality of Prison Life independent assessment. In relation to Cardiff and nationally, we have bucked the trend in terms of positive feeling, in particular among BAME prisoners.
“It is the professional work of staff. They are so committed in terms of supporting and helping the men. There is always work to do in terms of making sure people are treated fairly and decently. We have actions in place for equality and diversity.”
Mr Lammy also visited Cardiff Crown Court and the probation service and was due to discuss the review with senior members of the Prison Service in Wales as well as HMP Cardiff’s Independent Monitoring Board.
The review will make recommendations to tackle potential bias or prejudice in the criminal justice system when it reports in spring 2017.
Latest figures show BAME individuals make up a disproportionate number of crown court defendants (23%), and those found guilty are more likely to receive custodial sentences than white offenders, at 61% compared with 55%.