Inspectors slam ‘squalid’ prison

A high security prison near Peterborough has been described as ‘the dirtiest prison inspectors have seen,’ with conditions inside labelled ‘squalid.’

HMPWhitemoor–which houses some of the country’s most dangerous inmates – was visited by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in December, with inspectors shocked at what they saw.

Similar conditions were reported at HMP Long Lartin.

CharlieTaylor,Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: “Nobody should be held in the squalid conditions that we saw in these two prisons. The way a prison is maintained sends a strong signal aboutitsgeneralhealthiness. I hope that each institution will use our inspection findings as the opportunity to reflect and hit reset.”

Concernswerealsoraised about staffing at the prison.

The report said: “Despite being told multiple times that officers were too busy to attend to prisoners, we often cameacrossthemcongregating in wing offices or standing in pairs on the wings talking to each other.”

Mr Taylor said: “High security prisons hold some of themostdangerousprisoners in England and Wales, and their first priority must of course be protecting the public bykeepingthemsecurely within prison walls.

He added: "But reducing the risk posed by these men is also a vital part of the work ofhighsecurityprisons:they should be supported in understanding their offending behaviour so that the risk that they pose to prison staff and other prisoners while detained, and to the public on release, is reduced. Both prisons need to take urgent action to improve.”