Evaluating voluntary sector involvement in mass incarceration: The case of Samaritan prisoner volunteers

Abstract

Mass incarceration and supervision operate through a mixed economy. Using the case study of Samaritans’ emotional support for prisoners in distress in England and Wales, we present an original framework of five normative criteria to facilitate nuanced assessment of voluntary sector criminal justice participation. This is an urgent, significant task for theory and practice: we need to find forms of public input that can deconstruct bloated penal systems. Whilst citizen involvement can be a positive form of ‘people power’, our assessment of Samaritans’ ostensibly welcome humanitarian intervention reveals how it deflects attention from severe shortcomings of the penal system. In the context of mass incarceration, we conclude that voluntary sector and citizen involvement in individualised service delivery alone risks obscuring deep problems and delaying much-needed change. This topic is particularly timely, given increasing non-state involvement in criminal justice and the global problem of prison suicide.

Ex-Convicts in an Official Role of Peer-Supporters: Toward Convict Therapy

“…These include, inter alia, problems of authority, legitimacy and power relations between aid providers, recipients, and prison staff (Buck, 2016; Perrin, 2020); the lack of incentives and low wages (Bathje et al, 2020; Lebel et al, 2014); professional conflicts and role confusion (Duvnjak et al, 2022; White, 2000); and liminality which may lead to the exploitation of the aid providers (Nixon, 2019). In addition, there are neoliberal arguments about the need for comprehensive reforms in the criminal justice system, whereas peer support may perpetuate existing problems of poverty, inequality, discrimination, and mass incarceration (Tomczak & Bennett, 2020).…”

“…The most prominent of which are the Samaritans listener program , which operates a hot line to provide emotional support to inmates in distress, as part of the effort to deal with the high suicide rates in British prisons; Insiders programs —inmate mentors that provide basic information and security to new inmates, to reduce anxiety and preventing bullying; Toe-by-Toe (A.K.A. Shannon Trust program)—mentoring program of graduate inmates who assist peers to achieve literacy skill through a reading program; and RAPt (Rehabilitation of Addicted Persons Trust; Perrin & Blagden, 2016; Tomczak & Bennett, 2020).…”

“…Peer support is an important contribution to the criminological field, but on the other hand, some argue that it may perpetuate the current punishment system and legitimize mass incarceration, which may impair the efforts for substantial reform in the criminal justice system. This, while diverting attention from problems of poverty, racism, discrimination, inequality, and social injustice (Tomczak & Bennett, 2020).…”

Prisoners on prisons: Experiences of peer-delivered suicide prevention work

“…Between 2012 and 2016, prison suicide rates more than doubled. 2016 saw a record high of 122 prison suicides (MoJ, 2017), followed by consecutive record rates of self-harm in 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Tomczak and Bennett, 2020).…”

“…In March 2018, U.K. government proposals to address prisoners' mental health increased grant funding to the Samaritans charity, for their 'Listeners' peer support scheme (Tomczak and Bennett, 2020). Samaritans train prisoners nationally to provide confidential emotional support to other prisoners, aiming to reduce distress which might lead to (thoughts of) self-harm and suicide (Samaritans, 2020b).…”