This Handbook is one of a series of tools developed by UNODC to support Member States in the implementation of the rule of law and the development of criminal justice reform. It is designed to be used by prison managers and prison staff, in particular, but will also be relevant for other actors involved in the criminal justice system, such as policymakers, legislators and members of non-governmental organizations. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both as a reference document and as the basis for staff training.
While some elements of the Handbook may not be achievable immediately in some jurisdictions, particularly in post-conflict situations, the Handbook provides national authorities with guidelines for the development of policies and protocols that meet international standards and good practices.
This Handbook constitutes the first technical guidance tool to address the manifestation of radicalization to violence and violent extremism in prison settings at the level of the United Nations. It provides practical guidance on:
- The management of violent extremist prisoners (prisoners who have embraced violent extremism);
- Preventing the progression to violent extremism in prisons (prisoners who may be vulnerable to radicalization to violence);
- Interventions aimed at disengaging violent extremist prisoners from violence and at facilitating their social reintegration upon release.
1. Introduction and context
1 1.1 Who the Handbook is for and what it covers
1.2 The overall context of violent extremism
1.3 Prisons and violent extremist prisoners
1.4 Existing guidance
2. Managing violent extremist prisoners: fundamental issues
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Upholding human rights
2.3 Ensuring secure custody
2.4 Importance of prison intelligence
2.5 Safe and orderly institutions
3. Managing prison staff and other people who work with violent extremist prisoners
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Qualities of prison staff
3.3 Recruitment and selection of staff
3.4 Training and development of staff
3.5 Conditions of service
3.6 Professional standards and ethics
3.7 Contribution of specialist staff and other people
4. Assessing and managing the risks posed by violent extremist prisoners
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Admission, classification and categorization
4.3 Allocation and accommodation
4.4 Assessing different types of risk: tools and approaches
4.5 Understanding the reasons for prisoners’ violent extremist behaviour
4.6 Need for regular reassessment of risk
4.7 Violent extremist prisoners with specific needs
5. Prison-based disengagement interventions
5.1 Introduction 5.2 Defining intervention goals and outcomes
5.3 Understanding the reasons for, and the process of disengagement
5.4 Impact and types of interventions
5.5 Education
5.6 Vocational training
5.7 Faith-based interventions
5.8 Psychological and cognitive interventions
5.9 Creative, cultural and recreational activities
5.10 Reporting, monitoring and evaluating interventions
6. Managing the implementation of disengagement interventions
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Integrated case management and the disengagement process
6.3 Creating a supportive working environment for interventions
6.4 Methods and approach to delivering interventions
6.5 Roles, responsibilities and teamwork when implementing interventions
6.6 Intervention case conferences, record keeping and confidentiality of information
6.7 Codes of ethics, standards of practice and supporting intervention team members
6.8 Timetabling interventions and maximizing use of facilities
6.9 Engaging and motivating prisoners to participate in interventions
6.10 Promoting interventions to the outside community
7. Preventing radicalization to violent extremism in prison
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Radicalization to violence cycle
7.3 Enablers and precursors of radicalization to violence in prison
7.4 Vulnerability and models of recruitment in prison
7.5 Preventing and detecting radicalization to violence in prisons
7.6 Disrupting radicalization to violence in prisons
7.7 Supporting individuals vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremists
8. Preparing violent extremist prisoners for reintegration into the community
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Progress through the system
8.3 Prison-based reintegration interventions
8.4 Involving community organizations
8.5 Establishing strong contact with families
8.6 Preparing victims and the community
8.7 Protective measures on release
8.8 Post-release interventions and support
8.9 Monitoring and supervision after release
9. Summary of key principles and recommendations
Glossary of key terms
ANNEX
Relevant international instruments, standards and principles
UNODC
UNODC (2016). Handbook on the Management of Violent Extremist Prisoners and the Prevention of Radicalization to Violence in Prison. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna.
https://hope-radproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/UNODC-2016-Handbook-on-the-Management-of-Violent-Extremist-Prisoners-and-the-Prevention-of-Radicalization-to-Violence-in-Prisons.pdf
