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In Defence Of PAS printable version

27 Apr 2011: posted by the editor - United Kingdom

by Charles Hanson, re-settled prisoner
I would urge all those involved in prison and prisoner reform to support the continuance of the Prisoner's Advice Service (PAS) which has come under threat of closure because of the cut backs in legal aid and to fully support the PAS aims and objectives.

PAS which relies on voluntary and other charities for donations to enable it to maintain its independence from either the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice or the Prison Service provides a bulwark against the excesses which regularly occur behind the closed world of prisons and with an ever rising prison population it is imperative that their work continues.

My personal experience of the PAS was when they represented me at my lifer oral hearing. I had progressed through the system and there seemed little else that I was required to do or indeed needed to do. With my risk significantly reduced, PAS ensured that I was adequately represented and that all the correct legal procedures had been complied with.

As a result, my release on life licence was ordered and now two years since my release, I have re-settled into the community, take an active part in a voluntary prisoner's family project and have reached the stage where my reporting conditions to the probation officer means that I am required to report only every six weeks.

My life has been transformed and I hope that I am now seen as a useful and constructive member of society.

The route to that was having Matthew Evans of PAS represent and being instrumental in ensuring that I took my place in the world outside prison where the real purpose of rehabilitation can take effect.

There are many lifers and other prisoners who languish in prison and have not had the benefit of the expertise of PAS where they could be safely and realistically released and like me to take their place in society and become useful members of the community.

The Ministry of Justice and the Prison Service are never in a hurry to comply with the regulations.

PAS always ensures that they do.

Tags: Prisons

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