HOW many times have I heard people calling for the return of boot-camps to instil some discipline into wayward young men.
A short, sharp shock is just the ticket, they say.
I’m tempted to say that I agree with them, although it didn’t work when it was tried before.
However, in 2012, for the first time in an English prison, something that is proving successful was piloted at the Young Offenders’ Institution (YOI) on Portland.
Originally the inspiration of former West Dorset MP Sir James Spicer, the Airborne Initiative, a registered charity, was based on a similar experiment which ran in Scotland for 10 years, backed by The Parachute Regiment.
Extremely challenging, the five-day course across Dartmoor tests an individual’s stamina, determination and physical and mental strength.
It also builds self-reliance and respect among young offenders, those in half-way houses and those who are not in employment, education or training.
Interestingly, re-offending rates for participants in the first year after leaving prison is nearly 13.5 per cent, compared with 65 per cent for other prisoners.
Today, regrettably for Portland, most candidates and instructors come from the YOIs at Feltham and Brinsford.
Governors all too often have difficulty in releasing the appropriately-trained officers.
Those that are, are supported, where resources permit, by two volunteers from The Parachute Regiment, who provide additional experience and support to the course.
It’s a powerful mix.
Nearly 300 young men have benefited so far and another seven courses are planned for next year.
The base on Dartmoor is provided through the Duchy of Cornwall, Prince Charles being the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief.
There is no doubt that this project is a good idea and one that combats the depressing level of re-offending.
I shall continue to promote it in Parliament.
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