The Netherlands Drug Situation 2010 - Trimbos-instituut

Measure of Placement in an Institution for Prolific Offenders (ISD) Since 2004, the measure of Placement in an Institution for Prolific Offenders ISD) isin force (Stb 2004-471). This is a judicial measure for prolific offenders of over 18years old. ISD can be applied for a maximum of two years. The aim of the measure istwofold: to safeguard society from the frequent offences committed by prolific offendersby incapacitation of the offenders and to improve the individual situation ofoffenders, in order to reduce their recidivism. Several studies into ISD-participantsshow that the large majority is a problematic drug user. ISD is executed in eight penitentiary institutions which are especially equipped forISD-detainees. The capacity is 1,000 places. Until July 2010 the measure was imposed by the Judge 1,888 times:o 16 persons in 2004o 339 in 2005o 407 in 2006o 341 in 2007o 349 in 2008o 282 in 2009o 120 in 2010 (until July 1).There is a decrease in 2009 compared to 2008 (Tollenaar et al. 2010). In January 2005, the first participants entered ISD. The number increased until 2008.Since then, a decrease occurred (figure 9.3.1). In 2009 there were a mean of 528persons (in 2008: 607) per month under the ISD. The highest number that wasreached until now was 679; this was in June and August 2007. There are big differencesper region and institution. ISD changed in the course of time: more efforts are placed on motivating offenders toparticipate in behavioural interventions and care, inside the penitentiary institutions(“trajectory in prison”) or outside in regular care facilities (“trajectory outside prison”).Those who cannot be motivated or for whom no interventions are available stayin a “regular prison regime”. In 2009 and the first half of 2010, a mean of 18% of all participants per monthstayed in regular prison regime (figure 9.3.2). A mean of 57% of all participants permonth participated in trajectory regimes in prison and 25% stayed outside prison. It can be concluded that a decreasing minority of the persons who are convicted to ameasure of ISD stay in a regular prison regime without behavioural interventions.The majority participates in interventions that aim at reintegration and reduction ofcriminal recidivism after release from ISD. There is a growing tendency towards participationin care programmes outside prison as an alternative to imprisonment.137