PSO 2800 - Inside Time

PSO 2800 Annexes – Page 15CHAPTER 6 – RACIST INCIDENTSA racist incident is defined as any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or anyother person.Establishments must have an effective system for reporting and investigating complaints and racistincidents in which prisoners and staff have confidence.6.1 The induction programme for prisoners must include a structured session on race equality,which covers:Explanation of what constitutes a racist incident;Procedures for submitting a Racist Incident Reporting Form (RIRF), including support forthose who cannot read or write;Explanation of how a racist incident will be investigated;Procedures for protecting the victim, or the person reporting a racist incident.6.2 Information on how to make a complaint must be available in a range of different languagesappropriate to the ethnic make-up of the prisoner/visitor population.6.3 Race Equality induction must be recorded on each prisoner’s F2050A (history sheet).6.4 Racist Incident Reporting Forms (RIRFs) must be readily available throughout theestablishment:Prisoners have free and confidential access to RIRFs;Provision is made to assist prisoners who cannot read and write to make a complaint;Forms (and guidance notes) are available in a range of different languages appropriate tothe prisoner/visitor population;Forms are replenished as necessary.6.5. There must be readily identifiable post boxes for completed RIRFs (formal prisonercomplaint boxes may be used for this purpose):The post box is clearly marked for this purpose and is not under the direct supervision ofstaff;Access to the box is strictly limited to designated staff;Envelopes to safeguard confidentiality are provided with the Racist Incident Report Form;Boxes must be emptied and the contents processed in accordance with the requirements ofthe Complaints Standard.6.6 All racist incidents are recorded on an electronic log. This is printed off and examined bythe leader of the Race Equality Action Team, who is responsible for signing off each RIRF,monthly. The Area Manager is given a copy of the log every six months, and scrutinisesand signs off a random sample of RIRFs (5% or 10 RIRFs whichever is the greater).6.7 All complaints of racism received from any source are:Converted to a RIRF, unless already recorded on one, and a summary of the complaint isrecorded on the form;The form is assigned a log number.6.8 The Race Equality Action Team has agreed specific procedures so that all parties involvedwith a racist incident are safeguarded, including the victim and reporter of the incident.6.9 Investigations must be carried out fairly and appropriately, and in a timely manner, inaccordance with PSO1300.Issue No. 264 issue date 25/09/06