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Detective Inspector Jez Prior

‘ A Form of Questioning ’ Using witness screening questionnaires in mass-disorder. Detective Inspector Jez Prior 00 (44) 7876 790997

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Detective Inspector Jez Prior

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  1. ‘A Form of Questioning’ Using witness screening questionnaires in mass-disorder Detective Inspector Jez Prior 00 (44) 7876 790997 ACPO Approved Interview Adviser jeremy.prior@sussex.pnn.police.uk

  2. The Background • Ford Prison – Cat D minimal security ‘Open’ Prison • Located in West Sussex • Capacity about 550 prisoners • Strict No alcohol policy

  3. New Years Eve 2011 • Nearly 750 prisoners on site • Two prison officers & four security officers • ‘Party’ atmosphere in certain parts of the prison • At about 8pm prison officers try and administer a breath test for one of the inmates who they suspect was drunk • Inmates Chase prison officers away • Inmates go on the rampage

  4. The Riot • Prison officers run from prison • Minority of prisoners go on rampage • Police called but back-off • Takes over 12 hours for 150 riot officers to re-gain control • No fatalities £5.1M damage

  5. The Investigation • No Forensic • No CCTV • No Suspects arrested • Was clear that eye-witness evidence would solve the case • Witness issues – • 750 prisoners • 150 prison officers • 50 fire fighters • 50 Police officers

  6. The Interview Strategy • Key issues • Identify significant witnesses • Obligations under CPIA – all reasonable lines of enquiry • Prisoners moved all round the country • How to deal with witnesses who were serving prisoners

  7. Questionnaires • Bonuses – prison was a confined area • Information available that logged each of • All prisoners in Ford prison at time • All prison officers who attended • All fire fighters • All police officers

  8. Questionnaires • Four different types – one each for • Prisoners • Prison officers who attended riot • Fire fighters • Police Officers

  9. Questionnaires • Serving Prisoners…considerations ABLE TO READ/WRITE? UNTAINTED ACCOUNT PRISONERS SAFE PLACE INTIMIDATION

  10. Prisoner Questionnaire

  11. Key to Success • Prison Governor attached to the enquiry – advised on many aspects of safe access • Prison Governor advised on engagement with those who couldn’t read or write • Questionnaire went to every prisoner – so as to not identify a ‘grass’ • Process identified 10 significant witnesses • Different tactics used to obtain accounts

  12. Outcome • Eight prisoners gave evidence as witnesses at court • Five convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and for the first time ever – prison mutiny • All five received lengthy sentences

  13. Key Messages • Questionnaires can be very productive – similar to house to house questionnaires frequently used - But not an excuse for laziness! • Keep questions open • Help witnesses de-taint themselves • Identify others who can help – prison governor / ISVA

  14. Thank you • Jez Prior • Jeremy.prior@sussex.pnn.police.uk • + 44 (0) 7876 790997

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