HMP Forest Bank criticised for rising levels of violence and self harm
HM Inspectorate of Prisons has released its latest report.
A new report has uncovered rising levels of violence and self harm at Forest Bank prison in Salford.
Inspectors have found that serious violence, mostly prisoner on prisoner, has doubled in three years, a third of prisoners feel unsafe and more than half have reported being bullied or victimised.
Many inmates also suggested that gaining access to drugs was easy.
The jail, which holds more than 1,400 male prisoners, was however credited for being a generally well-led and competent facility, and evidence was found of effective de-escalation of incidents by staff.
Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said, “There needed to be greater focus and coordination to address violence, by, for example, incentivising good behaviour and consistently holding to account those who behaved poorly.”
Inspectors found relationships between staff and prisoners were respectful and polite, although inspectors were concerned that staff, many very inexperienced, didn't assert sufficient authority when supervising inmates.
Most prisoners were positive about most aspects of daily life at Forest Bank – including the food and good access to the shop – and accommodation was generally clean and bright. However, some 60% of single cells were doubled up and therefore overcrowded, and much furniture and cell equipment was damaged or missing.
Overall, Mr Clarke said: “Forest Bank continued to be a reasonably well ordered and settled prison delivering generally good outcomes. Prisoners could, for example, access a better regime than we normally see for this type of prison. Rehabilitation and resettlement work was consistently a strength. Overall this is an encouraging report, although we do identify more work to do in safety and in providing support to staff.”
Phil Copple, Director General of Prisons, said:
“I am pleased that the inspectors have found that HMP Forest Bank remains well-led by Sodexo with some good work educating and rehabilitating prisoners.
“More needs to be done to ensure there is a reduction in violence and self-harm, but I know that the prison director has already made progress including boosting support for vulnerable prisoners and appointing additional senior managers to improve safety and aid staff development.
“We will continue to monitor Sodexo’s performance to ensure they act on inspectors’ recommendations."