Overcrowding: Prisoners spending more and more time in their cells doing nothing

Prisons in the UK and Wales banning prisoners from playing any video games rated 18.

The ban accompanies a group of new restrictions placed on an increasingly overcrowded prison system. Now, only those who show good behavior or who are suicidal will have access to video games, but they have to purchase the gaming consoles themselves. The Prison Reform Trust stated that video games were "no substitute for purposeful activity like work or education classes." Well and arrogantly said, ol' chaps!

UK Prisons Restrict Video Game Use
by Peter Mychalcewycz, posted Jul 31st 2008 at 9:47PM

[Retrieved HERE: today for critique and review]

We get it, they are trying to implement a system where good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is punished. Seriously, though, how much of an incentive/punishment is this really? You have an environment that is overcrowded and full of career criminals. They spend every day either in fear of their life or fighting to protect it. Drugs are rampant, violence is the norm, and each jail is rife with corruption. Yes, let's take away their video games. That'll show 'em. [Source: BBC]

FAQ
MooPig has a question: Suicidal inmates are part of what group?

• Prison Reform Trust: "This instruction ensures consistency across the prison estate with regards to the use of games consoles as part of the earned privileges scheme. "Prisoners who are being managed under suicide prevention measures will be allowed access to a games console to occupy them while they are vulnerable."

MooPig asks: What games are best for the prisoners?

• The Prison Service: ...also said "no further public money" should be spent on video games. "For those prisoners permitted to use games consoles in cell, the cost of purchasing consoles and games will rest solely upon the prisoner and will not be met by the taxpayer," the spokesman added.

MooPig follow up: Why do prisoners become suicidal?

• Prison Reform Trust: "Keeping order," Geoff Dobson, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust, said that because of overcrowding, prisoners were "spending more and more time in their cells doing nothing."