Crime and punishment Prison reformers

Prison reformers set out to improve the prison system. Their aim is to create a fair and humane justice system that not only punishes those who have committed crime, but also helps with reform. The Prison Reform Trust works across the UK to try and initiate change. Their main goals are to:

• reduce unnecessary imprisonment and promote community solutions to crime
• improve treatment and conditions for prisoners and their families
• promote equality and human rights in the justice system

Reoffending rates in the UK are high and reformers argue that the prison system does not do enough to educate and train inmates so they do not reoffend.

Education is one of the key steps that reformers believe will help offenders. They also believe that prison should only be used for those who should not be allowed into society as they may cause harm to others. Other alternatives should be considered for those who do not fall into this bracket.