Recategorisation/Cat A Review

Your categorisation determines the type of prison you are allocated to (or transferred to), affects your options for offending behaviour programmes, the likelihood of release on temporary licence (ROTL) and, ultimately, your chance of parole. We will check that you have been categorised correctly and help you progress through the prison system by achieving the lowest category wherever possible.

Recategorisation is determined by a change in risk factor and danger to the public and should be reviewed by Governors on a regular basis, usually between 6 and 12 months. It is worth noting that a prisoner who is 'difficult' may not be a danger to the public and some prisoners are being held in a higher category than was necessary for incorrect reasons.

Particular concerns arise for Category 'A' prisoners and it is even more important to receive legal advice. Your escape risk will be considered, you are liable to be moved more often and restrictions can be placed on your visits. Offending behaviour courses may be limited, making it even more difficult to obtain a re-categorisation as your risk factor is often based on the number of courses undertaken. Recent case law and the Data Protection Act 1998 has given Cat 'A' prisoners more legal rights in obtaining full disclosure of reports rather than just the 'gist'.