Prison crisis: violence and self-harm

New statistics released reveal a severe crisis in the UK prison system, with violence and self-harm hitting unprecedented levels. The figures expose a prison system under extreme pressure, struggling to cope with soaring numbers of violent incidents and self-inflicted injuries.

The data shows a 30% rise in violent assaults within the last year, with a record 28,292 incidents reported. This surge marks a post-pandemic peak in prison violence, indicating worsening conditions behind bars. Alongside this, self-harm rates have reached their highest level ever recorded, with 73,804 incidents over the past year. This equates to one prisoner self-harming every seven minutes.

The situation is exacerbated by a significant increase in drug availability within prisons. Annual drug finds have risen by 44%, further compounding the issues of violence and self-harm. Additionally, more than 40% of prisons are now rated as being of ‘concern’ or ‘serious concern,’ reflecting deteriorating conditions and management challenges. Overcrowding remains a persistent issue, with 23.6% of prisoners currently in overcrowded conditions, marking the third consecutive year of rising overcrowding rates.

In response to this crisis, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood KC, has announced a series of immediate actions aimed at stabilizing the prison system. These measures include halting the End of Custody Supervised Licence Scheme and reducing the release point for some prisoners from 50% to 40% of their sentence, with safeguards to ensure public safety. This adjustment is intended to alleviate the overcrowding crisis and improve the management of offenders.

The Government is also recruiting 1,000 new probation officers to enhance community supervision and reduce reoffending rates. A new ten-year capacity strategy is being developed to ensure there are sufficient prison places and resources to address long-term demands and protect public safety.

An internal review has highlighted that 10 out of 12 probation regions in England and Wales are underperforming, particularly in aiding offenders' reintegration into society. The recent reduction in time for release planning has been linked to a drop in the number of prison leavers finding stable employment, which is crucial for preventing reoffending.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the prison system. As the Government initiates these critical changes, the focus remains on enhancing safety, improving conditions, and ensuring that the prison system can effectively manage both inmates and staff.