Inmates could take cell-fies in booths

Local democracy reporter PRISONERS at Dovegate jail could soon see photo booths installed at the site so they can take pictures with their families.

News of this comes after booths were installed at HMP Lowdham Grange, in Nottinghamshire and deemed to be a great success.

Serco, which manages both prisons, says it is now their intention to introduce them at Dovegate to build ties between prisoners and their families in a bid to reduce reoffending.

A spokesperson at Serco said the booths were introduced at Lowdham Grange last March as part of a trial.

The spokesman said: “It is part of our work to help retain and build ties between prisoners and their families, which have been demonstrated as a key aspect in reducing reoffending.

“The photo booth has been extremely successful, it has been used more than 2,200 times by prisoners and their families, and its introduction has been praised by the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

“As it has been successful, it would be our intention to introduce them in the other prisons that Serco operates including HMP Dovegate.” HMP Dovegate

The move comes after ministers highlighted the importance of enabling prisoners to keep up relationships with loved ones when behind bars.

An inspection report revealed that the booths were installed at HMP Lowdham Grange to enable prisoners to capture group shots with relatives during visits. Privately-run HMP Dovegate, near Uttoxeter, is home to more than 1,000 male prisoners.