SERA Preventing radicalisation in prisons -

P a g e | 10 ERASMUS+ N° 580247-EPP-1-2016-1-FR-EPPKA3-IPI-SOC-IN explain the dynamics behind disengagement. In other words, why do some violent extremist desist from further violence without attending any de-radicalisation programme ? 5. Research suggests that gangs in prison have an important role in spreading violent extremism. However research needs to address the dynamics behind groups that support violent ideologies in prisons, what conditions create these groups, how are members recruited and what is the status of both the recruited member and the recruiter ? 6. Research on prison culture and dynamics is needed. How do these groups maintain order and structure within the prison population ? 7. Intervention by prison staff results in a reaction by prisoners. The role of prison staff in prison group dynamics is another variable that needs to be addressed. 8. No good evaluation studies exist. Most prison and probation programmes addressing terrorists are created on a feeling of what should work, rather on what we know would work through evaluation studies. 9. Most of these programmes seem to be have been evaluated, others receive partial evaluations focusing on key performance and not impact. Unfortunately for those programmes that have been evaluated, reports are not published, making independent assessment problematic. There is a lack of ‘what works’ literature on this subject. 10. Most extremist offenders are young, however there is little research on whether juveniles should be separated from adult offenders or if they should have different programmes. Unfortunately, most countries do not make any distinction in the treatment given to young or adult extremist offenders in their programmes. 11. It is important that knowledge is acquired about the problems that violent extreme offenders face when they exit prison and what are the underpinnings behind the extremism. We know the problems that prisoners face once release, problems are probably similar to those faced by terrorists. However, one is justified in assuming that the reintegration process of such individuals could be more problematic. Unfortunately, we do not know the answer to the question. 12. There is a lack of research that examines the ‘conditions of confinement that these people face and if such conditions are impinging on post-release integration or radicalisation.