AC 3.3

• What are the key aims of prison as a form of punishment?

  To achieve social control, rehabilitation, and deterrence.
• Why might prison not be effective in achieving its aims?

  Prisons may lack resources and support needed for rehabilitation.
• What are the limitations that may prevent agencies from achieving social control and reducing crime?

  • Lack of resources and support in prisons
  • Limited police powers to detain suspects
  • High recidivism rates among offenders
• What is recidivism?

  Recidivism refers to repeat offending by individuals.
• What was the overall recidivism rate in 2019 for offenders given warnings, fines, or released from prison?

  The overall recidivism rate was around 28%.
• How many offences do those who re-offend commit on average?

  On average, those who re-offend commit a further four offences each.
• What is the re-offending rate for prisoners released from jail?

  The re-offending rate is 36% for all prisoners.
• What is the re-offending rate for juvenile offenders released from custody?

  63% of juvenile offenders are re-convicted within a year.
• How has the prison population changed since 1993?

  The prison population is almost double what it was in 1993.
• What is one reason for the increase in the prison population?

  Repeat offending is one reason for the increase.
• What has happened to the average minimum sentence for murder since 2003?

  The average minimum sentence for murder increased from 12.5 years in 2003.
• How does the number of previous convictions affect the likelihood of re-offending?

  The more previous convictions someone has, the more likely they are to re-offend.
• Which group is more likely to re-offend: males or females?

  Males are more likely to re-offend than females.
• What factors increase the likelihood of re-offending?

  Drug or alcohol addictions, homelessness, few qualifications, and unemployment increase the likelihood of re-offending.
• What is the 'dark figure' of re-offending?


  The 'dark figure' refers to unreported or undetected re-offending.
• What do right realists argue about prison effectiveness?

  • Prison works as a deterrent for rational actors.
  • The fear of being jailed prevents offending.
  • High rates of re-offending challenge this perspective.
• What do Marxists argue about the relationship between unemployment and re-offending?

  • Unemployed offenders are more likely to re-offend.
  • They struggle to meet their needs on benefits.
  • Economic conditions contribute to criminal behavior.
• What are civil liberties?


  Civil liberties are basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals by law.
• What are some examples of civil liberties?


  Freedom of speech, assembly, movement, and religion are examples of civil liberties.
• What is the due process model of justice?


  The due process model protects individuals against the state's abuse of power.
• What are the challenges faced by prisoners upon release?

  • Lack of money and job opportunities
  • Homelessness due to loss of housing benefits
  • Difficulty accessing services after release
• What is the 'End Friday releases' campaign?

  The campaign aims to end releases from prison on Fridays to prevent difficulties in accessing services.
• What are the reasons community sentences are more successful than prison in reducing recidivism?

  • Only 34% re-offend within 12 months of starting community sentences.
  • Community sentences provide better support for offenders.
  • They address complex needs more effectively.
• What are some criticisms of probation services?

  Probation services are criticized for inadequate supervision and allowing offenders to miss appointments.
• How have funding cuts affected police effectiveness?

  Funding cuts have led to a reduction in police numbers and investigations into serious crimes.
• What is the impact of police budget cuts on crime investigations?

  Police forces are dropping investigations into serious crimes due to budget cuts.
• How long does it take on average to solve a rape case compared to theft?

  Rape cases take an average of 129 days to solve, while theft takes much less time.
• What happened to the Crown Prosecution Service between 2010 and 2018?

  The Crown Prosecution Service faced budget cuts and operational challenges.
• What is the national issue mentioned regarding detectives?

  There is a national shortage of detectives.
• What action did off-duty police officers take against funding cuts?

  Off-duty police officers demonstrated against funding cuts.
• What are the consequences of police funding cuts?

  • Dropping investigations into serious crimes
  • Increased time to solve serious cases
  • Reduced efficiency in handling cases
• How many cases did the Metropolitan Police drop on the day they were reported in 2018?

  2.9 times as many cases as in 2013.
• Why might police forces be tempted to drop serious cases?

  Serious cases take much longer to investigate.
• What is the average time to solve a rape case compared to theft or criminal damage?

  Rape cases take an average of 129 days to solve, while theft or criminal damage takes much less time.
• What budget changes occurred in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) between 2010 and 2018?

  • CPS's budget was cut by a quarter
  • The organization lost one-third of its staff
• What did the head of the CPS state in 2018 regarding investigations?

  The CPS and police were failing to investigate thousands of cases efficiently.
• What has the CPS been accused of downgrading?

  Downgrading charges to prosecute cases in magistrates courts.
• What are the implications of prosecuting cases in magistrates courts instead of Crown Court?

  • Quicker and cheaper process
  • Offenders may receive lighter sentences
• What budget changes occurred in prisons between 2010 and 2018?

  • Prisons budget fell by 16%
  • Staff levels decreased by 15%
• What crisis do critics describe prisons as being in?

  Prisons are described as being in crisis due to rising levels of assaults, self-harm, and suicides.