An Overview of the Traveller Mediation Service Peer Mediation in Prisons Programme 2016 to 2019

Abstract

Due to the highly restrictive nature of the prison environment, with large numbers of diverse personalities living in extremely close proximity to one another and some with a propensity for violent behaviour, prisons can be dangerous places. Prisons are too often places of conflict, violence, and fear (Condry and Scharff Smith, 2018), where conflict can develop and escalate rapidly. Such conflict almost always has a negative impact, both physically and mentally, on prisoners and staff. It was in this context that TMS developed a unique and innovative approach to conflict prevention and resolution within the Irish Prison Service (IPS).