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Our criminal justice system in crisis – we need a royal commission
STEVE GILLAN explains why the POA is calling for a royal commission, with a wide range of voices, on the desperate state of our prisons system
Pirson guard brixton

THE escape from Wandsworth prison is a timely reminder of how far the criminal justice system has fallen.

The Prison Officers Association at this year’s TUC Congress in Liverpool will be calling for a royal commission into the whole criminal justice system from probation, courts, policing and prisons.

There seems to be much more interest in prisons among the public, press and politicians since some high-profile incidents — and that can only be a good thing in getting our message across regarding the savage cuts that our service has endured since the austerity cuts which we have not recovered from.

Political parties are showing an avid interest

The need for a public inquiry into prisons and the wider criminal justice system

Academies of crime

What is the purpose of prisons?

Which voices are to be heard?

Fixing society and our prisons

Restoring the right to strike

A new deal for POA members

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