The “pains” of open prison: prisoner experiences of the transition to low secure prison conditions

Purpose Open prisons have a potentially unique role in moderating the transition from closed prison back to the community but how prisoners adjust to the open prison environment has largely been overlooked. This study aims to explore the experiences of adult male prisoners, as they transitioned to two open prisons in England and Wales. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative and exploratory design utilising reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes. Findings Three primary themes were generated from the data identifying deficiencies in pre-transfer preparedness, the unintended “pains” experienced by prisoners during the transition to open, and the “survival” techniques they employ. This liminal phase represents a critical period of psychological adjustment, potentially critical to sentence progression. Practical implications The research has implications for open prison policy in terms of managing this key transitional period and improving successful community re-entry outcomes. Originality/value This study adds to the existing literature – primarily focused on the broader prisoner journey through custody – by providing a dedicated and untainted analysis of prisoners’ experiences of the transition to open prison at the material time of the transition.