To think prisoners shouldn't be allowed to smoke?

[angelos02]

In the new today it said there is a pilot about to be done in some prisons to not allow prisoners to smoke. I think this is fair. People that haven't broken the law can't smoke at work, in pubs, cafes, shops etc so why should criminals be allowed?

I wouldn't want to be a guard in one of those prisons having to deal with convicts being forced to go cold turkey. I think YABU.

They are being allowed to smoke just not inside which is fair enough I suppose, I think because prison was seen as a place of residence then they are allowed, and TBH i wouldn't like to come up against nicottine addicted criminals, but I think they will be allowed to go on fag breaks,

But you can just nip outside to smoke.
I know loads of people here who smoke - just not inside.
Prisoners can't do this.
And the logistics of getting those who smoke outside without incident is gonna be a nightmare. I'm not sure how they will work this one to be honest.
We'll have human rights and all sorts coming out of the woodwork on this one!

Because it s their temporary home.
And i predict serious unrest if violent criminals aren't allowed to smoke, it's hard enough for anyone.

Well if they're in prison they're not smoking in cafes....

Seriously though, the punishment is to deprive them of their liberty. They cannot smoke in communal areas anyway aa the law bans this. The only place they can smoke is in their cell. Personally I think this is a waste of everyone's time as the big debate ought to be how best to address re-offending rates and rehabilitation.

And yes, it will cause massive unrest in understaffed prisons, what for? So politicians can score a few points. Totally pointless.

because it is their home?
ffs who cares that much?

That'll make for an interesting atmosphere in already stressful conditions...

But you can see it from the staffs POV. I mean pregnant POs especially.

And if they are allowed pets in their cell then that would be better for them too.

Not sure how it would work though

YANBU: Non-smokers in prison and staff members should be protected from second-hand smoke, as us law elsewhere.
YABU: Let them smoke outside. Giving up smoking is hard, let alone in a prison environment. Possible that smoking/tobacco might be used by the guards as a 'reward system/privilege' to induce good behaviour?

IF i remember right pregnant P O are not allowed on the shop floor so to speak is that right I am sure somebody told me as it might be too dangerous for her,

Would they put a smoker with a non smoker in a cell together?

Genuine question.

The BBC news stated that 3 in 4 prisoners smoke.
Can you imagine all those angry men who aren't known for sensible decision making quitting all at once? Carnage.

YANBU- But then again I have harsh ideas about prisons! I would take away TV's, pool tables, any treats, cigarettes, and make it somewhere people will do anything to avoid going back to and therefore maybe wont re-offend, or even offend in the first place?!

But you can see it from the staffs POV. I mean pregnant POs especially.

FFS !!

Non smoking prisoners health trumps smokers rights. If they get cigarette breaks, say three a day then they will eventually get used to it. They are not in prison for holiday.

Would they put a smoker with a non smoker in a cell together?

probably not I wonder how they work out cell mates and do they even have cell mates these days some prisons it is just 1 cell per person

Well having worked whilst pregnant in an establishment that allowed smoking and having to breathe it in10 hours a day then yes it might be nice for the staff surely???

They do put smokers and non smokers together.

It's to avoid being sued by prisoners and staff re passive smoking.

Also, they can say there are some rioty protests going down and bang em all up for even longer and save more money.

They should have a smoking wing and a non-smoking wing.

Being deprived of liberty is the punishment, there's no need to take away fags etc.

And shouldn't prison be about rehabilitation anyway, not just punishment. Otherwise out they come and back they go. Pointless.

YABU for the reasons already given.

Prisoners being allowed to smoke in their cells has absolutely zero impact on Joe Public so I don't see why it would bother you.

well the smoking ban means that people are not allowed to work in a smokey atmosphere but if they are smoking in cells then the P O are not in direct contact with it

It was mentioned in the BBC report I read that non smokers were not forced to share cells with smokers.

I think you have to provide the facility to smoke be it outside - although how that would work logistically I'm not sure? Everyone wanting a quick puff before bed.

And shouldn't prison be about rehabilitation anyway, not just punishment. Otherwise out they come and back they go. Pointless.

this prison is punishment and rehabilitation or it should be,

Yanbu. I do think it will be hard on the staff though. I have the views on prisons though as you doodle, think our prisons should be stricter. They shouldnt be allowed to have loads of gadgets in their cells,theyre there because they broke the law.

Prisons in the UK run on consent. If the prisoners did not, in the main, go along with the rules there would be a complete breakdown in the system. It is naïve to talk of taking away anything that could be considered a treat or entertainment. What would they do all day? Break rocks?

Should all prison officers carry guns to control the riots that would ensue? I can see why they are piloting this as it is not fair for the prison officers to have to work in smoky environments but I have relatives who work in the service and they are waiting for the fall-out.