Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Keith Vaz Excerpts
Tuesday 6th December 2016

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Phillip Lee Portrait Dr Lee
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Every death in custody is a tragedy. We are committed to reducing the number of self-inflicted deaths. We have reviewed the case assessment care in custody and teamwork process for prisoners assessed as being at risk and we are piloting revised safer custody training in response. All prison officers, both new and experienced, receive training to help offenders with mental health issues.

Keith Vaz Portrait Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab)
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Statistics show that 50% of those who are in prison suffer from personality disorders. Does the Minister agree that it is important to assess such issues when people enter the criminal justice system—even at the stage of the custody suite—rather than after their incarceration?

Phillip Lee Portrait Dr Lee
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Of course the initial assessment is important, as is who does that assessment. In addition to our work on that, the care following the assessment and ongoing care, as well as the observation of prisoners, are being closely looked at.