Back in the good old days, decommissioned but still-floating military ships were used to house prisoners. This temporary/permanent solution came about first when the American Revolution cut off deportation to the colonies as a method of punishment and ridding society of undesirables. Could this colorful mode of waterfront living be returning today?
The [UK] Justice Minister was last night deciding which of three suitable vessels will be most cost-effective [to use as a prision ship].
The move was revealed as figures yesterday put the prison population at a record 81,135. With just 81,915 prison places available in the entire country, it means there is now room for only 780 more lags. […]
Last night, the Justice Ministry confirmed The Sun’s victory on using prison ships to ease the crisis — an option pursued by former Home Secretary John Reid but abandoned.
A spokesman said: “We are looking at all the options for increasing the prison capacity, including acquiring a ship or a barge that can be converted into a prison.”
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