Spice fuelling violence at ‘understaffed’ Strangeways
DAMNING REPORT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS VERMIN AND OTHER ISSUES AT JAIL
STRANGEWAYS prison is seriously understaffed – and it has resulted in high levels of violence, according to a new report.
An annual paper by the Independent Monitoring Board says there is a direct link between staff shortages and the number of assaults on guards and prisoners. At one point in the last 12 months, HMP Manchester was 60 employees short.
The report also raises concerns about the ageing, vermin-infested building – and the ‘volatile’ nature of one wing, with violence fuelled by the availability of Spice.
There are concerns about the increased time prisoners have to spend locked in their cells – as well as ‘restricted access’ for inmates to medical appointments, gym sessions and the library.
Inspectors say there have been ‘sustained’ periods when there has been no heating or hot water for showers.
Concerns about broken tiles in shower cubicles and broken windows have also been raised.
The infestation of vermin throughout the prison has been made worse as prisoners can freely throw litter and food waste from cell windows, the report said. The board, however, praises the ‘professionalism and dedication’ of prison officers in delivering an ‘excellent’ service ‘whilst experiencing increasingly difficult working conditions in the most challenging circumstances.’
The body is scathing about delays in repairs, which, at one point, resulted in 26 cells being ‘out of use.’ The jail has capacity for 1,136 prisoners, including 40 category A – serious offenders whose escape would be the most dangerous to the public. The report reads: “The board is continually concerned about the deficiency of prison officer numbers and the direct impact this has on being able to deliver a consistent regime.”
It adds that a new recording process identified that 50 per cent of wings visited by the board did not have the desired levels of staff on duty.
“At this time, HMP Manchester recorded a shortage of 60 prison officers. In our view there is a direct correlation between staffing shortages and prisoner behaviour,” the report added.
“Records identify the number of assaults by prisoner on staff and the number of assaults by prisoner on prisoner also remained at high levels in the reporting year.” The report said the ‘deficiencies’ have ‘hampered operations,’ leading to:
■ Prison officers being required to work at short notice to cover wings with which they are not familiar
■ Inconsistent wing management
■ Prison officers not being aware of the needs of specific prisoners
■ Prisoners spending increasing numbers of hours locked in their cells
■ Restricted access by prisoners to health care appointments, gym sessions and the library There are also concerns about B Wing. The report reads: “A volatile atmosphere has been recorded with prisoners and staff feeling less safe. Information suggested that NPS (Spice) was also available on the wing.” HMP Manchester is an ageing prison and the board is now witnessing – ‘on a weekly basis’ – the poor condition parts of the estate are in. A further concern relates to the commissioning of services and the continued problems associated with the contract awarded to Amey.
External areas, including the exercise yards, are untidy and unclean – and a ‘contributory factor’ to a growing vermin problem. The report says: “As previously reported, HMP Manchester is an ageing prison.
“The prison is increasingly suffering from the length of time that it takes for repairs, from initial reporting to completion, and this is impacting on the conditions endured by prisoners.”
A Prison Service spokesman said: “As the IMB acknowledges, HMP Manchester’s dedicated staff are delivering excellent service to turn offenders’ lives around.
“Across the estate, we’re investing £70m in decency, safety and security – ensuring facilities are brought back up to acceptable standards.
“Improvements have been made to the management of maintenance at Manchester, with 95 per cent of general repairs now responded to on time. In addition, the prison has recruited 26 new staff, with more to come, and our 2.75pc pay rise – the biggest in a decade – should help to ensure that experienced staff remain at Manchester.”
The board’s report covers the period March 2017 to February 2018. Upgrade works on five wings are due to begin soon. Additional cleaning rounds are now being conducted which has seen a reduction in litter and vermin since the reporting period.
HMP Manchester’s dedicated staff are delivering excellent service
Prison Service spokesman