United Kingdom: prison praised for installing photobooth for inmates and visitors

Families can use booth to take group shots as part of effort to improve visits for children.

A prison has been praised by inspectors for installing a photobooth so inmates can take pictures with family members, amid evidence that bolstering personal relationships can reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Inmates at privately-run HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire can use the facility to capture group shots with relatives during visits, which Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) described as a “good innovation”.

The prison’s operator, Serco, said the photobooth was introduced in March last year as part of efforts to help families and children have a more positive experience of visiting their fathers.

Ministers have highlighted the importance of enabling prisoners to keep up relationships with loved ones when behind bars.

Last month, the government announced plans that will allow thousands more inmates in England and Wales to make phone calls from their cells.

The Ministry of Justice cited research that shows those who receive family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend.

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