PSO 2800 - Inside Time

PSO 2800 Annexes – Page 18discussions fully described in Section 3, it will be sufficient to state this and give a briefexplanation of the resolution.Verbal accusations of racism by prisoners against members of staff6.24 The use of the term „racist‟ is not in itself racist language. A verbal accusation of racism bya prisoner against a member of staff is therefore unlikely in itself to constitute a racistincident.6.25 If the accusation is accompanied by racial abuse, or any comment about the colour, race,nationality, ethnic origin or religion of the member of staff, this should be considered a racistincident and a RIRF submitted.6.26 In cases where the accusation is not accompanied by racist language, whilst the accusationof racism itself may not constitute a racist incident, the prisoner has stated a perception ofracist conduct by the member of staff, and this issue needs to be addressed.6.27 The circumstances in which such accusations are made vary widely. Sometimes, wherethey are made in a rushed or heated situation, further dialogue between the member ofstaff and the prisoner will not be possible at that time. Where dialogue is possible (eitherimmediately, or by the staff member seeking out a suitable opportunity shortly afterwards),the member of staff should discuss the reason for the accusation and seek to resolve thematter with the prisoner. Whether such dialogue takes place or not, the member of staffmust inform the prisoner that it is open to him/her to raise the matter via a complaint form ora RIRF.6.28 Whether or not the matter is resolved, and whether or not the prisoner indicates that he/sheintends to submit a complaint, the member of staff must submit a written report of theincident to the REO. This should give details about what led up to the incident, as well asreporting what was said by the prisoner. Such reports will not automatically result in aninvestigation. However, if the prisoner subsequently makes a complaint they will be used toinform the resulting investigation.Making the form available6.29. Copies of the form must be freely available on all wings, in the visits area, the healthcarecentre and at the gate. Prisoners should be able to take a form without the intervention of amember of staff. Race Equality Action Team members may wish to consider holding asmall stock of these forms themselves in case they are approached for help and advice.Members of voluntary and community sector groups may wish to do likewise. Confidentialboxes, with access strictly limited to key members of staff, should be provided. The wingboxes used for Complaints forms, may also be used for the RIRFs. Access to the boxesshould be strictly limited and logged forms should be held in a secure place. Confidence inthe system is seriously undermined if reports are not treated with professional diligence.6.30. All prisoners should be informed of the existence of the racist incident reporting form duringinduction, and information - including on the availability of forms - should also bepermanently displayed on relevant notice boards around the establishment. Race EqualityAction Teams will need to consider how best to inform staff and visitors about the system.In addition Independent Monitoring Boards and any other organisations, including voluntaryand community sector groups, working within establishments will need to be informed of thesystem.6.31 Information, together with copies of the forms, will need to be provided in visitors‟ centres,visits areas and at the gate. Visitors will need to be made aware of the existence of theform. Practical difficulties may arise in notifying visitors of the outcome of their complaint,and visitors submitting forms should be encouraged to provide their contact details.Issue No. 264 issue date 25/09/06