In the dark:
the mental health implications of Imprisonment for Public Protection

IPP is a sentence for people whose crimes are not serious enough for life imprisonment but whom the courts think are dangerous. They cannot be released until the Parole Board thinks they are no longer dangerous.

This report finds that IPP prisoners are much more likely than other prisoners to have mental health problems. Being on IPP appears to be making this worse because of the uncertainty and hopelessness it creates.

In the Dark looks at the sentencing process, what information is given to prisoners and the courses they can do as well as the prisoners' mental health needs and the impact of mental ill health on the IPP process. It makes recommendations for health and criminal justice services.

Download the In the dark summary (533 KB)

Download the In the dark summary for commissioners (552 KB)