Psychological and Behavioural Risk Identification Changes Prison Care
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Psychological and Behavioural Risk Identification Promotes Safer Prison Spaces
The five-day Capacity Building Programme on Psychological and Behavioural Risk Identification for frontline workers at Sabarmati Central Prison comes at a time when prisons across India are paying closer attention to mental health, safety and rehabilitation. The programme, being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, reflects a growing understanding that prisons are not only places of custody but also spaces where care, reform and learning play an important role.
The programme is organised at Sabarmati Central Prison by the Psychosocial Care Centre, an initiative supported by Gujarat State Legal Services Authority and Rashtriya Raksha University, in collaboration with the Prison and Correctional Administration of Gujarat. Such partnerships are increasingly seen across correctional systems, where legal, academic and prison authorities work together to address complex challenges linked to inmate behaviour, stress and safety.
International and national studies have shown that prison environments often carry high psychological pressure. Overcrowding, separation from family, uncertainty about the future and past trauma can lead to anxiety, anger and depression among inmates. When these issues are not identified early, they can result in self-harm, violence or conflict inside prisons. Training programmes like this one aim to reduce such risks by building awareness at the ground level, especially among those who spend the most time inside prison wards.
A key focus of the programme is on ward watchmen, many of whom are inmates themselves. Research in correctional psychology shows that peer-based monitoring can be very effective, as inmates often notice changes in behaviour earlier than officials. Simple signs such as withdrawal, sudden aggression, sleeplessness or loss of appetite can act as early warning signals. By training ward watchmen to notice and report these changes, prisons can respond before problems grow serious.
The programme also promotes basic self-help and coping skills. Studies suggest that teaching simple breathing exercises, emotional regulation techniques, and stress management can lower tension levels inside prisons. These tools are easy to learn and do not require medical equipment, making them practical in correctional settings. Such skills also help ward watchmen manage their own stress, which improves overall discipline and calm within prison blocks.
The leadership behind the programme highlights its long-term vision. Under the guidance of senior academic and legal experts, the initiative links mental health care with rehabilitation and reintegration. Modern correctional research supports this approach, showing that inmates who receive psychological support and life skills training are more likely to adjust well after release and less likely to reoffend. This benefits not only the individual but also society at large.
The programme structure, spread over five days, allows time for discussion, role play and practical examples rather than only classroom teaching. Evidence from adult education research shows that interactive learning is more effective, especially for participants with varied educational backgrounds. By keeping the language simple and the sessions practical, the programme ensures that participants can use what they learn in daily prison life.
The inauguration by the Jail Superintendent underlined the importance of early help-seeking within prisons. Experts in prison management agree that removing stigma around mental health is essential. When inmates and staff feel safe to speak about emotional distress, it reduces the chances of crises. Encouragement from senior officers sends a strong message that mental health care is a shared responsibility.
The presence of senior jail officials, academic leaders and programme coordinators also reflects a coordinated effort. Such collective involvement is often recommended in correctional reforms, as it builds trust and shared ownership. When prison staff support these initiatives, implementation becomes smoother and more effective.
The programme is being conducted in batches, with seventy ward watchmen in the first group and another batch scheduled to begin shortly. Staggered training allows better attention to each participant and helps maintain regular prison routines. This method is commonly used in large institutions to balance learning with operational needs.
Overall, this capacity-building programme represents a practical step towards safer and more humane prisons. By focusing on psychological and behavioural risk identification, it strengthens prevention rather than reaction. It also supports the wider goal of reforming correctional administration by combining care, discipline and learning. As prisons continue to evolve, such initiatives may serve as models for other states seeking to improve inmate wellbeing, staff capacity and public safety through informed and compassionate approaches.
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