Impacts of contemporary correctional service policy on inmates in Bauchi custodial centre, Nigeria

Abstract

The policy was reviewed in the year 2019 due to the identified challenges of congestion; poor feeding and the need to re-brand the service in order to address new issues that were not covered under the repealed Act, categorically the rights of Inmates were also enshrined. Under the new policy, correctional service consists of custodial and non-custodial service. This paper examined the provision of the new Act and its impact on inmates in Bauchi custodial Centre, formerly known as Bauchi prison. In achieving this objective, data were collected through semistructured interview with the informants that include the inmates and staff of the study area. Findings from the study indicated that there are many challenges face by inmates in the custodial Centre. Some of these challenges are congestion, inadequate feeding, poor medical care and frequent adjournment of cases. The introduction of non-custodial service, community service sentence, parole, probation, restorative justice is a welcome development as it will help in addressing some of the challenges bedevilling the criminal justice system in the country. The study recommends for proper training for correctional officers and relevant stakeholders such as Police, Court officials and Judges to ensure effective and full implementation of the new policy.