The newly published Chief Inspector of Prisons Annual Report acknowledges ‘another very difficult year for all those living and working in prisons in England and Wales.’ 

The report focuses mainly on the supply and use of illicit drugs in prisons, with ‘far too little being done to keep drugs out, too many prisoners saying it was easy to get hold of them, and the rate of positive random tests frequently reaching more than 30%.’ In addition, the report acknowledges the harmful effects of overcrowding and lack of activity, causing boredom and frustration which subsequently fuels the demand for drugs. 

Indeed, of the 38 men’s and women’s prisons inspected over the course of the year, 28 were delivering ‘poor’ or ‘not sufficiently good’ outcomes in purposeful activity.

To read the full report, click here.