Special reports

No-one wants to end up there, yet there is a perception among many people that jail is a soft touch.

In fact, a survey of BBC Newsline's e-panel shows that 80% believe prison allows for too many luxuries.

There are three prisons in Northern Ireland, Maghaberry high security jail, Magilligan medium security prison, and Hydebank Wood, which houses young offenders, female inmates and some male remand prisoners.

But what exactly happens day-to-day in our jails and does the prison regime alleviate or merely exacerbate criminal behaviour?

As part of BBC Newsline's Crime and Punishment series, we sent our reporter Chris Page to Hydebank Wood, home to around 250 inmates; most of them men under 21 years of age.

Deputy Governor Gary Alcock

The Deputy Governor Gary Alcock has been telling him about the challenges his staff face and responding to criticism that prison life just isn't tough enough.