Young offenders’ experiences of an indeterminate sentence
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-07-2014-0020 |
| Date | 09 February 2015 |
| Published date | 09 February 2015 |
| Pages | 55-68 |
| Author | Melanie Merola |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice |
Young offenders’ experiences of an
indeterminate sentence
Melanie Merola
Melanie Merola is a Registered
Forensic Psychologist, based
at South Central Psychological
Services, HM Prison Service,
Aylesbury, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to understand the experience of those living with the
Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence.
Design/methodology/approach – Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse
seven interviews with Young Offenders aged 18-21 who were serving an IPP sentence. Two participants
were past their tariff expiry date, two had less than a year until their tariff date and three had morethan a year
until their tariff date.
Findings – Several themes were found, each with their own subthemes: Injustice of the Justice System,
Not Knowing, Coping, Change and Walking on Eggshells. Participants still detailed negative aspects of the
sentence but within this was one, important, positive aspect, namely the inspiration the sentence gave for
them to change their offending behaviour. However, this has come at a cost with participants feeling as
though they have been treated unfairly, finding it difficult to cope, feeling victimised and finding it difficult
to see a future.
Practical implications – Lapses in motivation do not necessarily reflect the risk of the person but the
difficulty of the sentence. Motivation can be fostered and developed through motivational interviewing,
praise and peer support IPPs should be given more credit for the way they manage themselves daily and
more understanding when they struggle. IPPs could be victimised by determinate prisoners or by staff.
Establishments should be aware of this and help IPPs resolve situations without feeling like they are a victim.
Consideration should be given to converting IPP sentences to determinate sentences.
Originality/value – Previous research focused on the negative aspects of the sentence, the purpose was
therefore to approach the situation with an open mind and by using a method that allows those with an IPP
sentence to share their experience of the sentence. IPA allowed for exploration of the effects of the sentence
on those serving it and therefore gains a further understanding of the impact of the sentence.
Keywords Experience, IPA, Youngoffenders, Indeterminate sentence, IPP, Public protection
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 introduced the indeterminate sentence of Imprisonment for
Public Protection (IPP) to address the sentencing needs of violent and sexual offenders.
The act was amended in 2008 and in 2012, the sentence was abolished. Those still serving the
sentence have a minimum term they have to serve in prison before they can apply for release
and/or open conditions through the Parole Board.
Much was written previous to the abolishment of the IPP sentence about the issues with it and
there were many calls for the change in policy. However, literature appears to be aimed only at
changing the policy as identified by a 2013 review of the literature (Merola, 2013). Studies
included those by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and Probation (HMCIP) in 2008, the Prison
Reform Trust in 2007 and 2010, as well as other individuals involved in the Criminal Justice
System. Most of the research focuses on the review of the sentence, using various sources from
within prisons (HMCIP, 2008) or with presenting problems with the sentence (Prison Reform
The author thanks Rachel
O’Rourke for all of her support,
excellent advice and guidance.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-07-2014-0020 VOL. 17 NO. 1 2015, pp. 55-68, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
PAGE 55
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