CCTV is set to be installed to counter the flood of drugs entering the jail via drones
Strangeways prison is set to receive new CCTV and netting as part of an ‘action plan’ to counter the flood of drugs entering the jail via drones. It comes after a damning report last month from the Chief Inspector of Prisons, which revealed a “catastrophic” level of illicit drugs within the facility, formally known as HMP Manchester.
One of the most scathing critiques made public by the watchdog, the report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor, highlighted “squalid” and “filthy” conditions at the rat-infested institution, with the availability of illegal drugs described as “catastrophic”. The Ministry of Justice has now outlined measures to bolster security and improve conditions at the over 150 year old high-security prison.
The plans include enhanced staff training and a specially tailored pest control strategy to address the rampant rat problem. The installation of a new CCTV system and strategic placement of netting are key strategies intended to thwart drone activities and reduce the smuggling of contraband, which is known to incite violence within its walls.
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Additionally, specialist roles will be designated for staff to identify and aid susceptible inmates at risk of self-harm, while new training for frontline officers aims to refine the handling of violent prisoners. Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons and Probation, commented on the gravity of the situation: “The chief inspectors report made for dire reading and highlighted the stark realities of the prison crisis we inherited.”
“I have visited the prison myself and met with the governor. The frontline staff are already working hard to reduce violence and improve conditions. This action plan will ensure they have the support they need.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Words such as “fundamentally unsafe” and “unstable” were used by inspectors to depict HMP Manchester. Mr Taylor described the facility as one of the “most violent” in the nation, with organised crime and the drug trade dramatically disrupting prison operations.
During their visit in September, the watchdog discovered an alarming number of weapons and contraband, a record high for adult male prisons. It was noted that more than half of the prisoners at the high-security Category A establishment – which holds upwards of 700 men – reported feeling insecure.
Low morale among staff was highlighted by Mr Taylor. He also detailed how many windows in the prison were broken, forcing inmates to stuff mattress foam into the frames to stave off the chill.
Such dire conditions prompted the inspector to issue an “urgent” improvement notice to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Additionally troubling was the watchdog’s observation of “little progress in addressing our previous concerns” from an inspection in 2021.
The governor of the prison, Robert Knight, who has been at the helm of the high-security category A facility for the past five years, spoke to the Manchester Evening News last month. While he refrained from commenting on whether the supply of drugs was ‘catastrophic’, he did concede: “I would say staff morale has been dented. Nobody wants to be told they are doing a bad job, especially a job they are doing in difficult circumstances.”
He further stated: “We will pick ourselves up and make the necessary improvements. I’m confident of that.”
