Identity Challenges and the Risks of Radicalisation in High Security Custody

Liebling discusses identity challenges and the risks of radicalization in high security custody. The current study was requested by the Home Office and NOMS in 2008 following a report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons which described apparently 'distant relationships' between staff and prisoners at HMP Whitemoor, an apparent decline that was a matter of concern and interest. The study was largely qualitative, based on observation, informal interviews and conversations, a 'dialogue' group, and in-depth one to one interviews with 36 prison staff and 52 prisoners, though a detailed quality of life survey was also completed with 159 randomly selected prisoners and 194 staff.