Violence is rife in overcrowded, unsafe prisons, with offenders
nearly twenty per cent more likely to be involved in assaults in
too full jails, new research published today (19 June)
reveals.
The rate of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults in men's prisons
increased by 11 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year as
they operated at over 99% capacity. The rate of assaults on
hard-working prison staff rose by 13 per cent during the same
period.
This is the first time a direct link has been drawn between
increased violence behind bars and the capacity crisis inherited
by the Government that put the public at risk.
It reinforces the need for the 14,000 more prison places and
landmark sentencing reforms set out by Lord Chancellor last month which will
ensure prisons never run out of space again. The changes
will help to cut reoffending and keep our streets safe, part of
the Government's Plan for Change.
Under these reforms, release from prison will be earned.
Offenders who behave badly will be held in prison for longer –
helping to reduce violence and drug use. It will mean staff can
focus more time on rehabilitating prisoners to reduce the chance
of them reoffending on release.
The Government has also announced today a £40 million investment
in new security measures this year to clamp down on the
contraband that fuels violence behind bars. This includes £10
million on anti-drone measures such as exterior netting and
reinforced windows.
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending,
,
said:
“These stark findings confirm what we've already seen –
dangerously full prisons lead to more crime and more violence.
This not only risks the safety of our hardworking staff but means
our prisons are failing one of their most important functions –
cutting crime.
“We must end this chaos. That is why as part of our Plan for
Change we are reforming sentencing and building 14,000 extra
prison places by 2031. Our £40 million new investment will also
help combat the flow of contraband which creates unsafe
environments in our jails.”
The research found that over a one-year period, crowded
environments increase the likelihood of an offender being
involved in a violent incident by 19 per cent.
The £40 million will fund a range of security enhancements this
financial year including window replacements, CCTV and control
room upgrades, vehicle gates, biometrics and floodlighting. These
improved measures will boost safety, combat the influx of drone
activity and clamp down on suspected wrongdoing behind bars.
It comes as the National Crime Agency – in conjunction with HM
Prisons and Probation Service, the National Police Chiefs'
Council and Regional Organised Crime Units – has launched a new
initiative stepping up efforts to thwart criminals attempting to
smuggle contraband into jails via drones.
Two senior police leads will also be embedded into the Corruption
and Crime Unit within the Prison and Probation Service to enhance
cooperation in tackling key areas like corruption and organised
crime in prisons.
The investment builds on action the Government has already taken
to protect staff from violence, including the rollout of
protective body armour for prison officers working within
high-security settings and a trial of tasers beginning later this
summer.
The Government has set aside £7 billion to fund 14,000 extra
places by 2031 to deliver the prison capacity needed to keep the
public safe.
Notes to editor:
- The research can be accessed here.
- The data on prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and staff assaults
can be found here.
