The Power of Data: National Drug Council Survey Supports Prison Rehabilitative Efforts

From HM Cayman Islands Prison Service

Researchers across all industries conduct surveys to uncover answers to specific and important questions.  Likewise, the National Drug Council employs a range of methods to analyze its survey data with the resolve of making informed decisions for sub-groups and the wider population. This is the power of data.

Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Services Survey (HMCIPSS) lends to the rehabilitative efforts of Her Majesty’s prison services by describing the consumption patterns among inmates before, and during incarceration; identifying social factors relating to offending and drug use; and underpinning the relationship between drug use and criminal behaviours among inmates.  In particular, the survey’s capacity is essential in informing programming and policies within the prison services.

At present, there are approximately two hundred individuals currently under supervision at Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Services, and nearly all of these prisoners will return to their communities as some point.  Modern science asserts that the veracity of the human spirit is to return to some state of wholeness.   With that in mind, there is a vital need to prepare individuals for re-entry to society.  But how?

The social malaise of an incarcerated individual may cause them feel estranged and unprepared for society.  Therefore, resources must be available to assist with this transition.  Collaborative efforts of the NDC and stakeholders have successfully addressed the rehabilitative needs of the prison services though the delivery of drug education programmes.  In the context of prevention, the NDC offers substance abuse prevention education programmes to all incarcerated offenders on a voluntary basis.  Participation is not mandatory, yet the desire to acquire essential interpersonal related skills is favoured.  Correspondingly, the rise of interest in this service has led to a three-tiered prevention education programme available to both male and female inmates.

Data allows us to examine needs and prescribe solutions in appropriate contexts.  This realism fosters collaboration to a surprisingly varied set of conventions and approaches for prison rehabilitation.  A historical analysis of Cayman’s rehabilitative efforts reveals that department divisions no longer exist.  It is evident that collaborative efforts are on a much larger scale.  Because of this, resources are maximised and individuals are better equip with skills and strategies to reconnect with their communities.