A better fit between decision-makers : reflecting on recent changes in deciding over prison leave in Belgium

In this presentation, we sketch the role and place of two actors involved in decision-making: the prison director and the Service for the Management of Imprisonment (SMI). After a prisoner applies for a type of prison leave, the prison director provides a formal advice to the SMI, and the SMI takes the final decision. Research conducted in 2012 had laid bare differences in decision-making by prison directors and the SMI, resulting in a poor degree of agreement in decisions on prison leave (e.g. for an extended type of prison leave, in less than 50% of the cases in which prison directors gave a positive advice, the SMI decided to grant the leave). Since then, internal changes in decision-making by the SMI have led to a shift in the relationship between prison directors and the SMI, resulting in a better fit between both decision-makers. After reiterating these changes, we reflect on what is to happen next. Improving upon the criteria to decide of prison leave have not been followed by substantially higher levels of granting 335 leave. In light of the very low level of absconding and recidivism, further steps can be taken in improving decision-making.

Jaar van publicatie:2019

Toegankelijkheid:Closed