A new report published by HM Inspector of Prisons, has revealed that ‘systemic problems delay prisoners’ ability to access their personal property’ , thus affecting their well-being.
Too few prisoners receive their property within the first few days of arriving in prison, leaving many unable to access important items such as clothing, shoes, books and photographs. These delays often increase prisoners’ sense of vulnerability at an already stressful time, lead them to believe they are being treated unfairly, and subsequently make it far more difficult to build positive, trusting relationships with staff.
The report found that regime restrictions, risk management practices and individual prison resources contributed to the problems, which were worse in busy local jails and high security prisons. Prisoners regularly complained that the rules varied between establishments, which meant that some individuals resorted to borrowing items from other prisoners – putting them at risk of debt. Worryingly, there were often delays in processing disability aids and prescribed medication, affecting prisoners’ physical and mental health further.
Accessing stored property, such as smart clothes for court appearances or phone books containing family numbers, could also be problematic. Some prisoners were even being released without their house keys, mobile phones or bank cards – many of these items having been lost in prison.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, remarked:
Being able to access personal items, such as photographs or books, matters a great deal when you are locked in your cell for long periods of time. The continued, persistent barriers to property access across the estate undermines prisoner well-being, damages their trust in the system and ultimately contributes to more unsafe conditions in our prisons.
To read the full report, click here.