Service users’ initial hopes, expectations and experiences of a high security psychologically informed planned environment (PIPE)

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore service-users’ hopes and expectations of a psychologically informed planned environment (PIPE) located in the high-security prison estate.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-structured interview was used to explore the hopes and expectations of five male Category A PIPE prisoners. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Analysis resulted in two overall themes: “Progression” and “Being Part of a Community”. Relevant sub-themes were considered to portray processes within these two wider themes.

Practical implications

In applying these findings to practice, this study provides evidence that places value on the current referral process which ascertains prisoners’ motivations to attend the PIPE.

Originality/value

This is the first known study that explores service-users’ hopes and expectations of the pilot PIPE service. The PIPEs are included within the recently introduced Offender Personality Disorder Pathway.

Citation

L. Bennett, A. (2014), "Service users’ initial hopes, expectations and experiences of a high security psychologically informed planned environment (PIPE)", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 216-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-05-2013-0035