Overview of the Tanzanian Prison System With Particular Reference to the Treatment of Prisoners in Police Custody and Correctional Institutions (From UNAFEI Material Produced During the 71st International Seminar and the 72nd International Training Course, P 164-172, 1986 -- See NCJ-106500)

• NCJ Number: 106512
• Author(s): A Bahati
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United Nations
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-106500.

Annotation

The prison system in Tanzania is described in terms of its structure, inmate population, programs, administration, and legal basis.

Abstract

The correctional institutions have shifted from their basically penal orientation during the colonial period to a current focus on rehabilitation through reformative treatment. A Law and Rehabilitation Directorate was established in 1981 to form rehabilitation programs. Prisoners are classified as first offenders and recidivists. Among the recidivists, star offenders are those who can be treated with first offenders. The rest are called ordinary prisoners. Sentences are shortened if behavior is acceptable, and indeterminate sentences are periodically reviewed. The nation's Constitution and Bill of Rights outline inmates rights. The Tanzania Criminal Procedure Code details the rights of accused persons, and the Prisons Act of 1967 specifies the treatment of convicted and unconvicted offenders. The police often do not follow the rules regarding the treatment of suspects, and torture has occurred. Compliance with rules regarding inmate treatment is generally reasonable. However, the government is committed to ensuring adherence to the rules.