New report into HMP Bristol after it was labelled one of Britain’s most …

‘Shocking’ levels of deaths, violence and self-harm have been highlighted in a new report about HMP Bristol, after it was labelled ‘one of the most unsafe prisons in Britain’. The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at the prison in Horfield[1] says it has been ‘shocked and saddened’ by the recent number of deaths in custody. In its 2022-23 annual report, the IMB notes high levels of self-harm and violence and says there has been little improvement in areas of concern it has raised previously.

In a recent HMIP inspection Bristol was described as one of the most unsafe prisons in Britain[2] and received an urgent notification. Staffing pressures contribute to a cycle of prisoners spending longer hours in their cells, increasing frustration and reducing access to education, healthcare and other services, which does not support effective rehabilitation. Over the year the Bristol IMB has reported a “concerning rise in serious safety issues” and other issues including with drugs, maintenance, food, overcrowding and even rats.

Its report summary claims the prison is ‘not fit for purpose’, adding: “Bristol prison had one of the highest numbers of deaths across the country, and highest levels of self-harm and violent incidents when compared to other similar prisons. Nine deaths were reported during the year of which six are apparently self-inflicted, and one an [alleged] murder.[5] “An increase in the number of prisoners from 480 to 580 with no increase in the number of cells or additional staff.

The prison is now overcrowded with over six out of 10 prisoners now sharing a cell, many of which were built for one person in Victorian times, for up to 22 hours a day. “Lack of prison staff on duty; staffing levels were below the required levels and on some days the numbers on duty were below the minimum level needed. This affects the consistent delivery of full daily activities, which were often cancelled on the day.

“Insufficient healthcare to support the growing number of prisoners with complex physical and mental health needs. There continues to be long waits for prisoners requiring specialist mental health units, who are more than often being held in segregation awaiting a transfer.” The report also noted maintenance issues including a broken boiler system which has since been repaired.

It also highlighted: “Rats have been reported as on the increase and evidence of droppings is seen around the prison, despite the actions taken by the prison to tackle the ongoing issue.” Availability of drugs was also a key issue, with the board noting that “the availability of drugs has increased significantly over the year” and “there are frequent incidents of prisoners under the influence, requiring healthcare and on occasion admission to a local hospital”.

‘Prisoners are being failed’

IMB Chair Emma Firman said: ‘We are now seeing a prison that is being pushed to its limits. If the prison is to be fit for purpose, then additional resources and a reduction in overcrowding is needed to enable the hard working but overstretched staff to keep prisoners safe.

Prisoners at Bristol are being failed and most will have a little chance of rehabilitation upon release’. IMBs are made up of independent public appointees and operate in every prison. The report did add: “Although HMIP describes Bristol as one of the most unsafe prisons in the country, Board members have not had concerns about their personal safety whilst carrying out their monitoring role.

“During the year the Board has seen some positive changes in the prison involving prisoners and staff in a variety of forums.

It is difficult to quantify the impact of this.”

Prison’s response

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We have already taken action to address the serious concerns raised in this report including bolstering the number of frontline staff to reduce violence and improving the support provided to vulnerable prisoners.

“We only double up cells where it is safe to do so and we’re undertaking significant refurbishments at the prison as part of our multi-billion pound investment to improve conditions across the estate.”

References

1. ^ Horfield (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ Bristol was described as one of the most unsafe prisons in Britain (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ ‘Legendary’ Police Dog Ash retires from Avon and Somerset Constabulary (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
4. ^ Drug arrests fall as Avon and Somerset Police focuses on shoplifting and e-scooters (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
5. ^ one an [alleged] murder. (www.bristolpost.co.uk)