Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Prisoners
Over a quarter (27%) of the prison population – 23,649 people – are from a minority ethnic group compared to 14% of the general population. If the prison population reflected the ethnic make-up of England and Wales, there would be 9,000 fewer men and boys in prison – the equivalent of 12 average-sized male prisons. (Prison Reform Trust; January 2025)
In 2024-25, minority ethnic prisoners made up 46% of callers to our Advice Line, 22% of letter-writers and 49% of those attending Outreach Clinics.
Black people are 53%, Asian 55%, and other ethnic minority groups 81% more likely to be sent to prison for an indictable offence at the Crown Court, even when factoring in higher not-guilty plea rates. Black and Asian people in prison are also more likely to be serving longer sentences than other groups, and will serve a greater proportion of their sentence in custody. (Prison Reform Trust; January 2025)
BAME prisoners continue to face discrimination and racism. Fewer say they have a member of staff they could turn to for help, or are treated with respect by staff. More say they have been bullied or victimised by staff. (Prison Reform Trust; January 2025) Recent research on the the experiences of BAME women in prison found ‘distressing incidents of racism and direct discrimination, which in some cases involved prison staff. This included the use of racist language, name calling, racial tropes and stereotyping.’ The study also highlighted indirect discrimination and unfair treatment in matters of adjudications and Release on Temporary Licence. (Towards Racial Equality, April 2022)
PAS is assists BAME prisoners who feel they have suffered prejudice or discrimination whilst in prison, including racially motivated strip searches, visitors being racially harassed and the use of derogatory names and threats by prison staff. We help BAME prisoners transfer away from racially-motivated persecution or assault, pursue redress when they are accused unjustly or placed on report, and advocate for them to be able to practice the basic tenets of any religion they may follow.
PAS Information Sheet
