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Young Offender institutions are places of reform and offenders must recognise the behaviours that are causing widespread strain on the correctional system in the UK.
It’s been found that YOIs and youth establishments have the highest assault rates of any prisons in England and Wales according to Politics.co.uk.
It's also common to have high levels of bullying and unsafe conditions for offenders. It’s clear that overall behaviour is a major area of concern for YOI’s.
Behaviour affects the facilities that you specify and could make the difference between an unsafe YOI and a correctional facility that promotes rehabilitation and reformation.
Managing Young Offender’s Behaviour
It's important within young offender institutions to have a push on positive reinforcement because this can impact the behaviour that’s exhibited by offenders.
Contour’s anti-ligature solutions provide several benefits that enable Custody and YOI Officers to positively manage offender behaviours.
Reducing Stash Points In YOI’s
With high suicide rates and bullying in YOI’s, articles have found that radiators can be used as stash points for weapons or blades. Stash points also can be used to smuggle illegal goods.
To prevent the use of stash points, specifiers need to think about the design features of the furniture used in cell spaces.
Consequently, if you’re a specifier you should look for a radiator solution with small grilles, we recommend IP3X to make sure nothing can be wedged into the radiators to minimise the risk of items being poked through into the casing.
Conventional radiators can be used as stash points for offenders, with routine cell searches, radiators can be more difficult to check thoroughly.
Contour’s anti-ligature radiator and guard design can assist with the complete and extensive searching of YOI cells.
Due to the nature of the radiator cover design that Contour manufacture, stashing illegal goods and sharp objects inside the cover will be very challenging.
However, should Officers feel the need to check inside the cover, they can access the interior casing via the security locks on the front and top of the cover.
Individual Heat Control In YOI’s
On some heating systems, officers have the ability to control the heat output of four cells at one time, this makes it difficult to accommodate for the needs of every individual.
Picture this: One inmate in cell A is too hot and another inmate in cell B is too cold. Officers now have the predicament of,
‘Who do I please? Do I turn the heat up so that inmate B is happy, or turn it down to accommodate inmate A?’
Whatever the officer chooses to do, there’s a risk of irritating an individual which can lead to negative outcomes.
Therefore, it's important to opt for a heating solution that allows control for individual cell temperature to provide comfort and alleviate the potential of a violent outburst.
Conclusion
Contour’s anti-ligature LST radiator has a strong, full-casing design and exclusive range of security fastenings so that officers can safely access all areas of the radiator.
This includes the radiator’s exterior perimeter, that officers can safely run their hands along during the routine cell search.
For heat control, depending on the layout of the cell block, the heating can be controlled from outside of the cell. This is of particular use if the cell block is on lock-down and access into the cells are off-limits.
Through aiding offenders’ comfort, you’re helping to establish trust and relationship with an inmate which can help improve the behaviours of the offenders.
If you’re an architect or specifier who is tasked with the design or refurbishment of a custodial environment, your design choices will be largely influenced by offender behaviour.
Contour’s anti-ligature products offer a safe solution for managing the behaviour and wellbeing of offenders, many of whom who are at risk of suicide.
About Us
Contour produces a range of innovative, safe surface temperature systems for healthcare, education, mental health, commercial and secure sectors, working in close partnership and collaborating with architects, M&E engineers, NHS Trusts, local authorities and contractors to deliver outstanding safe heating solutions.
Contour is the exclusive partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9%. Contour combines an extensive range of colour-paints is with BioCote® for a durable, high-quality finish.
Contour’s heating solutions offer secure, single-person quick access to radiator guard interiors for regular deep cleaning and maintenance. Each year, Contour save the NHS millions of pounds in cleaning costs, therefore delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour is redefining the marketplace and therefore many regards us as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour has a quality-first philosophy. Our customer-focused team possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, they take pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
Contact us at:
The Mansions, 43 Broadway Shifnal
Shropshire TF11 8BB United Kingdom
+44 1952 290 498
Twitter: @Contour_Heating
LinkedIn: Contour Heating Products Ltd
