Cheap Prison Calls:
How Safe Are UK Prisons?

The safety of UK prisons has been a long-standing concern for policymakers, human rights organizations, and the public. In recent years, rising levels of violence, deteriorating prison conditions, and a growing number of incidents involving self-harm and suicide have underscored the urgent need to address safety within the prison system. This article will explore key aspects of safety in UK prisons, examining the issues of violence, safety concerns, prison conditions, and prison performance, with particular attention to the troubling rise in self-harm and suicides.

Violence in UK Prisons

One of the most pressing safety concerns in UK prisons is the high level of violence between inmates and against prison staff. Reports of assaults have surged in recent years, reaching record levels. A combination of overcrowding, understaffing, and a lack of rehabilitation programs has contributed to this growing trend.

Inmates often experience a tense and volatile environment, with disputes over scarce resources such as access to phones, showers, or recreational facilities leading to violent confrontations. The availability of illegal drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids like "spice," further exacerbates tensions. These substances not only impair judgment but also lead to aggressive behavior, making prisons even more dangerous.

Staff assaults have also increased dramatically. With fewer staff members available to manage a growing inmate population, officers find it harder to maintain order. The Prison Officers Association (POA) has expressed concern over the lack of support and resources for prison staff, leading to a work environment that is both physically and mentally taxing. A lack of appropriate staffing means officers are often left vulnerable and unable to intervene in incidents before they escalate.

Safety Concerns

Safety concerns in UK prisons go beyond physical violence. A fundamental problem is the difficulty in ensuring that inmates are housed in secure and stable environments. Overcrowding remains a major issue in many prisons, with the prison population consistently exceeding the system’s capacity. Cells designed for one inmate often house two or more, creating cramped and unsanitary living conditions that can contribute to stress and conflict.

Furthermore, understaffing means that there are fewer officers available to supervise inmates and intervene when necessary. This can lead to dangerous situations where prisoners are left unsupervised for long periods, increasing the risk of violence, bullying, and self-harm.

The decline in safety is not only physical but also emotional. Many prisoners experience feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, which can be worsened by the lack of access to mental health support. Mental health services in prisons are often under-resourced, and prisoners who require urgent care may have to wait weeks or even months to see a specialist. The inability to access appropriate support can make prisoners feel unsafe within the system, not just due to external threats but also because of their internal struggles.

Prison Conditions

The physical conditions of many UK prisons have been a major factor in the overall decline in safety. Some prisons are old, with deteriorating infrastructure, leading to inadequate sanitation, heating, and ventilation. Prisoners often report dirty, cramped living conditions that contribute to health problems and create an atmosphere of neglect.

Inadequate living conditions are closely linked to other safety concerns, as they can lead to frustration and despair among inmates, fueling tensions and, in turn, violence. Overcrowding exacerbates these issues, as the strain on facilities grows with each additional prisoner.

Additionally, the lack of educational and rehabilitation programs has left many prisoners without meaningful activities to engage in, increasing idleness and the likelihood of violent incidents. Instead of being environments where inmates can learn new skills and work toward rehabilitation, many prisons become holding cells where time is spent in monotonous and unproductive routines. This lack of purpose further contributes to a negative atmosphere, diminishing the overall sense of safety.

Prison Performance

The performance of the UK prison system has been under scrutiny in recent years, with various reports highlighting a significant decline in overall safety. Independent prison inspections frequently reveal widespread concerns about violence, drug use, and a lack of adequate rehabilitation programs.

Prison performance is often measured by metrics such as assault rates, self-harm incidents, and the ability to provide rehabilitation services. However, many prisons have consistently failed to meet minimum safety standards. Budget cuts and a lack of political will have further compounded these issues, with limited investment in improving prison facilities, staff training, and prisoner support services.

Poor prison performance is not just a reflection of individual prisons but a systemic issue. The combination of rising prison populations, shrinking budgets, and limited staff resources has resulted in a prison system that struggles to meet even basic safety requirements.

Self-Harm and suicide in prisons

Perhaps the most alarming trend in UK prisons is the rise in incidents of self-harm and suicide. The number of self-inflicted deaths in prison has increased steadily, with 2023 seeing some of the highest recorded levels. The pressures of prison life, compounded by overcrowding, violence, and poor mental health support, often push prisoners to the brink.

Self-harm has reached epidemic proportions in some prisons. Inmates may engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with the emotional and psychological toll of incarceration. Unfortunately, many prisons lack the resources to provide adequate mental health care, leaving vulnerable prisoners without the support they need.

To address the issue of self-harm and suicide, the UK prison system employs a process known as the Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork (ACCT) process. This system is designed to support prisoners who are at risk of self-harm or suicide. It involves identifying at-risk prisoners, assessing their needs, and creating an individualized care plan to ensure they receive the appropriate support.

However, the effectiveness of the ACCT process has been called into question due to staff shortages and high caseloads. Many staff members do not have the time or resources to properly implement the ACCT process, leading to gaps in care that can have tragic consequences. In some cases, prisoners who are known to be at risk of suicide are not adequately monitored, resulting in preventable deaths.

The decline in prison safety since 2012

The decline in prison safety has been ongoing since around 2012, when cuts to the prison budget began to take effect. This decline has been marked by a steady rise in assaults, self-harm incidents, and self-inflicted deaths. The cuts resulted in fewer staff members, less access to rehabilitation programs, and worsening conditions in many prisons.

Assaults have increased dramatically, with both prisoner-on-prisoner violence and attacks on staff becoming more frequent. Incidents of self-harm have reached record highs, indicating that the emotional and psychological well-being of inmates is at a breaking point. Furthermore, the number of self-inflicted deaths continues to rise, highlighting the failure of the system to provide adequate care for its most vulnerable members.

The UK government has acknowledged the challenges facing the prison system, and efforts have been made to increase staffing levels and improve conditions. However, many argue that these changes have not been enough to reverse the overall decline in safety. Without a significant overhaul of the prison system, including more investment in mental health services, rehabilitation programs, and staff training, it is unlikely that the safety of UK prisons will improve in the near future.

UK prisons are facing a severe safety crisis. Violence, overcrowding, and deteriorating conditions have created an environment where both inmates and staff feel unsafe. The rise in self-harm and suicides underscores the emotional toll that incarceration takes on prisoners, particularly those who are already vulnerable due to mental health issues.

Addressing the safety issues in UK prisons will require significant investment in resources, including more staff, better facilities, and improved access to mental health care. Without these changes, the safety of UK prisons will continue to decline, putting the lives of prisoners and staff at risk and undermining the goal of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.