Chinamasa Precious 2014 Relevance of the Rehabilitation Policy on Successful Reintegration of Ex-offenders: A Case Study of Harare Central Prison Complex in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to determine the relevance of the rehabilitation policy on successful reintegration of ex-offenders into society: A case study of Harare Central Prison Complex. This study identified rehabilitation programmes offered to inmates at Harare Central Prison Complex. Finally it went on to suggest strategies which could improve the relevance of rehabilitation policy on successful reintegration of offenders. The population for the study was 150 inmates, 65 officers and 10 stakeholders. The sample size was sixty-four (64) with 45 inmates, nineteen (19) prison officers comprising senior management, and rehabilitation officers. Stakeholders which comprises the church and the NGO’s with a sample size of five (5) were also part of the respondents. A total of sixty four (64) questionnaires were distributed and complemented by interviews. The study identified a gap between the organisational mission and what is actually happening on the ground. The study has revealed some elements of conflicts between officers. The study has also revealed that there are some malpractices within the organisational culture which affects organisational performance. However from the interviews, it was also clear that the corporate structure does not empower the rehabilitation directorate to implement rehabilitation policies. It is recommended that management as a way forward considers the following recommendations; policy review, a monitoring and evaluation mechanism should be developed to assess relevance of rehabilitation programmes, change management to align mission statement with work practice and management to periodically organise interactive seminars with stakeholders to address rehabilitation and reintegration issues in ZPCS.