17378 - Crime in Prison Coordinator (CiPCo) - HMP Isle of Wight

Overview of the job

The Crime in Prisons Coordinator (CiPCo) will provide specialist administration and coordination support to help address high levels of crime committed within the establishment, aligning with national crime in prison objectives intended to support prisons to improve criminal justice outcomes. The role will cover a single establishment and managed within the Security team.

Playing a pivotal role in HMPPS's mission to combat crime in prisons, the CiPCo will address acts of criminality within prison confines, encouraging proportionate outcomes through internal disciplinary processes, adjudication awards, and law enforcement engagement. The candidate will possess a willingness to comprehensively understand relevant policy frameworks and guidance surrounding crime in prisons, particularly the Crime in Prison Referral Agreement (CiPRA) and the Victims’ Code. Additionally, they will become knowledgeable about the respective roles and responsibilities of HMPPS, the police, and CPS in investigating and prosecuting crimes within custodial settings, with the aim of achieving standardised and consistent processes across the sites. Motivated to improve information-sharing processes related to crime in prisons, the individual will contribute to better punitive outcomes and enhanced victim support.

HMPPS's efforts to tackle crime in prisons are crucial for maintaining safety and security while minimizing harm to staff, prisoners, and the community. A national strategy has been developed with objectives including:

• Cultivating a culture of change and adherence to statutory and common law obligations outlined in the CiPRA.
• Assisting in compiling information packages for crime cases to support high-quality referrals to law enforcement.
• Enhancing the process of crime referrals, particularly regarding assaults against staff.
• Facilitating the exchange of best practices among prisons at various levels.
• Identifying trends and inefficiencies in case investigations, statement development, and evidence handling.
• Fostering positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing support to victims of crime and offering guidance tools to frontline staff.
• Aggregating and analysing local data to improve the efficacy of crime referrals and operational processes.

These objectives must be implemented at all levels within prisons to ensure proportionate outcomes for offenders. The Prison Group Directorate and Directorate of Security are collaborating to enhance the crime in prison service provided to prisons.

Summary

Supported by the National Crime in Prisons (CiP) Taskforce, this role aims to address the high levels of crime committed within prisons. The CiP Taskforce endeavours to promote cultural change in how crime in prisons is perceived and managed, strengthen relationships between HMPPS and law enforcement, develop effective victim support strategies, and instil confidence in our ability to combat crime effectively.

The role entails providing specialist administration and coordination support to a single establishment, working closely with the national and regional CiP Taskforce and local Police Crime Team to manage crime cases efficiently.

Reporting directly to the Head of Security, who liaises with the Regional Crime in Prison Lead, this role is based within a prison. Daily travel to other prisons and occasional trips to the regional offices are necessary, with potential travel outside the region as required.

The job will involve contact with prisoners for information gathering but carries no line management responsibilities.