10. PRISONERS

Prisoners Perceptions

10.1 During the course of our inspection we met with a number of prisoner groups. As is our practice, we have recorded the views of the prisoners as they were put to us, though that should not be taken to imply that the Inspectorate is in full agreement with every point raised. However, where the report covers any of the comments in more detail, the relevant paragraph numbers are shown.

10.2 The issue of security and the measures that had recently been taken to tighten up in a number of areas, had raised concerns amongst most prisoner groups. There was concern about the way that security category reviews were being conducted with claims that prisoners were not always being told when their cases were being reviewed. Searching had become more thorough but it meant that items found may have been in the cell since the previous occupant had left. Concern was also raised over the fact that security issues were taking precedence over everything but that there was little or no opportunity for discussion. The only group of prisoners who felt some benefits were those on protection, for whom safety was a major issue - paragraphs 4.3-8.

10.3 With regard to communications, prisoners felt that there should be more opportunities for meetings so that they could air their views. In particular, they were concerned about access to Hall Managers and felt in some instances that the GP system prevented one-to-one contact.

10.4 The issue of visits was raised mainly in relation to fairness of distribution and inflexibility of access arrangements, particularly in relation to remand and vulnerable prisoners in 'C' Hall. LTPs voiced concern about the policy of placing on closed visits those testing positive on MDT. They queried how numbers would be managed given that there were only a few closed visit cubicles - paragraphs 6.75-88.

10.5 With the exception of those on remand, the generally held view was that staff/prisoner relationships were good.

10.6 On the issue of MDT, there was a genuine dissatisfaction over access to support and treatment opportunities and it was felt that currently, the policy was geared more towards punishing prisoners rather than helping them - paragraphs 5.29-36.

10.7 The opportunities for interesting work appeared to some to have reduced and the feeling was that there was now little incentive to attend any of the worksheds - the level of wages was also perceived to be falling behind canteen prices - paragraphs 6.37-49.

10.8 There was severe criticism of the medical services both in terms of attitude and treatment. The time taken to obtain medication was felt to be excessive, particularly for painkillers, etc. In addition there was a view that prescribing had changed with the advent of MDT - paragraphs 8.12-27.

10.9 There was a number of complaints specific to 'C' Hall and these were generally raised by all groups of prisoners located there. The issues raised included chamber pots, time out of cell, lack of exercise, lack of laundry facilities, shortages of kit and cleaning materials, prisoner numbers, standard and cleanliness of accommodation, responses to cell call buttons and recreation facilities. Vulnerable prisoners were satisfied that more had been done to provide them with a fuller and safer regime, but there was serious concern amongst remand prisoners that the conditions and atmosphere were reaching the stage where urgent action was needed to review their current circumstances - paragraphs 3.11-13 and 6.19-28.

Comment

10.10 We recognised that in view of increased levels of violence and other incidents, searching and other systems had been tightened up throughout the establishment and it was reassuring that this had impacted on the prisoner population. Nothing which was raised by the various prisoners groups in this respect was unexpected and we are of the opinion that the measures taken were entirely appropriate in the circumstances and were already showing positive signs in terms of improved prisoner safety.

10.11 The concerns expressed about the lack of communication between managers and prisoners is not one which we share. Current policy is to ensure appropriate contact between prisoners and prison Officers in the first place and any system which allows individuals to bypass the agreed original contact point should not be encouraged. The ongoing development of the Sentence Planning system will address this issue.

10.12 Visits arrangements were generally accepted as being good but we found little evidence of unfair distribution. The system employed by staff could be open to manipulation by prisoners but we found no concrete evidence that this was taking place. In conversation with management, it was apparent that they were aware of potential abuse in this area and were monitoring the situation closely.

10.13 The introduction of MDT had increased the demand for support services and we comment elsewhere (see paragraph 5.40) on the pressure to increase the throughput of prisoners attending courses.

10.14 We support the view put forward that more constructive work opportunities need to be provided and that work should continue to play a major part within the prison regime. The comments on the standard of healthcare, while having some substance, may have been overstated; in any case, improvements in this key area are imminent.

10.15 We found ourselves in agreement with the numerous complaints regarding ‘C’ Hall.