IAPDC responds to HMIP report: A sobering reminder of the state of our prisons 

The widespread availability of illegal drugs, persistent overcrowding, and acutely limited access to support and rehabilitation services paint a bleak picture. Far too many prisoners are spending their days locked in cells with little or nothing to occupy their time – with some telling the Panel that they turn to drugs to cope with the void. These conditions have a serious impact on the safety and wellbeing of prisoners, as we continue to see worrying levels of death and self-harm across the prison estate.

The Government’s steps towards a long-term strategy to tackling the prison crisis is welcome. Lasting change is desperately needed to create a system that functions effectively and properly safeguards the lives of those in its care. Central to this must be a genuine commitment to diverting people away from custody where possible. Our forthcoming research, due later this summer, reveals a worrying link between overcrowding and self-inflicted deaths. Alarmingly, the Chief Inspector’s report finds that there is not enough learning from these deaths, investigations into self-harm incidents are often poor, and care plans for vulnerable prisoners are ineffective.

The report does highlight pockets of good practice within the prison estate. However, in our conversations with governors and frontline staff, it is clear that a lack of resources and staffing often stands in the way of delivering consistent, high-quality support. Without the capacity to provide vital services, efforts to promote prisoners’ health, wellbeing, and successful reintegration into the community are falling short. Addressing this requires not only improved funding, but also stronger coordination between prison, probation, health, and community services.

The situation in immigration detention is equally concerning. The Chief Inspector’s report highlights “poor safety and unacceptable conditions”, with the most troubling treatment and environment observed at Harmondsworth IRC. Immigration detention holds some of the most vulnerable individuals, yet support for those at risk of self-harm is found to be inadequate. We welcome the Home Office’s current efforts to strengthen safeguarding mechanisms and remain committed to supporting this work to ensure individuals are properly protected.

You can read the report here.