Prison’s work in pandemic wins praise

A PRISON has been praised for its work keeping inmates safe during the coronavirus crisis.

In an annual prison report, inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Boards said the governor and staff at Kirklevington Grange Prison, in Stockton, did an ‘excellent job’ at restricting Covid-19 and were quick to react to changes in national regulations.

The report reads: “They are to be congratulated in their efforts in that there were only eight prisoner and 57 staff infections recorded. One prisoner was hospitalised, though this was fortunately not a serious infection and he returned to the prison.

“Contracted staff also contributed to the efficient running of the establishment through this difficult period, providing the necessary services to the prison population.”

Kirklevington Grange is a category D open prison catering for adult male prisoners and young offenders. The operational capacity at the start of 2021 was 163; during the year the temporary accommodation introduced during Covid-19 was upgraded and made into permanent accommodation.

In an overall view, the inspectors said the prison showed it continued to be well-run and most of the prisoners continued to have a positive experience.

The report also highlighted that most of the prisoners appreciated the efforts of the reducing reoffending team in providing opportunities for developing new skills, accessing work placements and obtaining lasting employment opportunities.

However, the inspectors also addressed areas for development. In a message to the governor inspectors said: “The IMB will monitor prisoners’ perceptions that ‘if we complain we will be returned to closed conditions’.

“We would like to see some means of dispelling this culture.”