Menu
28/08/2012
Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
Although the growth in the prison population has slowed down in recent months, prompting plans to close HMP Wellingborough, there are still 7,294 more people in the prison system than it is designed and built to hold. On 31 July 2012, there were 77 out of 131 establishments over the Prison Service’s Certified Normal Accommodation: “the good, decent standard of accommodation that the Service aspires to provide all prisoners”.
The most overcrowded prison in England and Wales, according to official figures, is HMP Kennet. Designed to hold 175 men, it now holds 337. In second place is Shrewsbury (built to hold 170 men, it holds 326) and in third is Swansea (built for 240, it holds 435).
For people in prison themselves, overcrowding has a tangible impact. Nearly a quarter of people in prison are being held in overcrowded accommodation, either doubling up in cells designed for one occupant or being held three to a cell in cells designed for two people. Private prisons have held a higher percentage of their prisoners in overcrowded accommodation than public sector prisons every year for the 13 years to 2010/11.
Overcrowding makes it much harder for staff to work intensively with offenders on resettlement. Currently 47% of adults reoffend within a year of leaving prison, rising to almost 57% for those who had served a sentence of less than 12 months. Nearly 70% of children aged 10 to17 released from custody reoffend within a year.
(CD)
Although the growth in the prison population has slowed down in recent months, prompting plans to close HMP Wellingborough, there are still 7,294 more people in the prison system than it is designed and built to hold. On 31 July 2012, there were 77 out of 131 establishments over the Prison Service’s Certified Normal Accommodation: “the good, decent standard of accommodation that the Service aspires to provide all prisoners”.
The most overcrowded prison in England and Wales, according to official figures, is HMP Kennet. Designed to hold 175 men, it now holds 337. In second place is Shrewsbury (built to hold 170 men, it holds 326) and in third is Swansea (built for 240, it holds 435).
For people in prison themselves, overcrowding has a tangible impact. Nearly a quarter of people in prison are being held in overcrowded accommodation, either doubling up in cells designed for one occupant or being held three to a cell in cells designed for two people. Private prisons have held a higher percentage of their prisoners in overcrowded accommodation than public sector prisons every year for the 13 years to 2010/11.
Overcrowding makes it much harder for staff to work intensively with offenders on resettlement. Currently 47% of adults reoffend within a year of leaving prison, rising to almost 57% for those who had served a sentence of less than 12 months. Nearly 70% of children aged 10 to17 released from custody reoffend within a year.
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 October 2005
Overcrowded prisons linked to higher suicide rate
The most overcrowded prisons have the highest numbers of suicides, new research has revealed. According to a study by the Howard League for Penal Reform, over half (56%) of suicides in England and Wales since the start of 2004 have occurred in the 35 most overcrowded jails.
Overcrowded prisons linked to higher suicide rate
The most overcrowded prisons have the highest numbers of suicides, new research has revealed. According to a study by the Howard League for Penal Reform, over half (56%) of suicides in England and Wales since the start of 2004 have occurred in the 35 most overcrowded jails.
25 August 2015
Chief Inspector Criticises CSC Prisoner Living Conditions
The independent inspectorate of prisons has criticised some of the living conditions in which dangerous prisoners are being kept in. Chief Inspector Nick Hardwick published his findings in a report after visiting Close Supervision Centres (CSC), which hold about 60 men in eight prisons in England and Wales.
Chief Inspector Criticises CSC Prisoner Living Conditions
The independent inspectorate of prisons has criticised some of the living conditions in which dangerous prisoners are being kept in. Chief Inspector Nick Hardwick published his findings in a report after visiting Close Supervision Centres (CSC), which hold about 60 men in eight prisons in England and Wales.
14 September 2012
Report Reveals 15% Increase In Custody Deaths
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has revealed that almost 230 people died in prison or other forms of custody in England and Wales during 2011-12. Nigel Newcomen said in his annual report that it represented a 15% rise on the previous year.
Report Reveals 15% Increase In Custody Deaths
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has revealed that almost 230 people died in prison or other forms of custody in England and Wales during 2011-12. Nigel Newcomen said in his annual report that it represented a 15% rise on the previous year.
16 March 2006
Glitter set to appeal against sentence
Former pop star Gary Glitter is to appeal against his three-year sentence for child abuse in Vietnam, his lawyer has announced. The 61-year-old, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was found guilty earlier this month of sexually molesting two girls, aged 11 and 12, at his home in the Vung Tao resort in southern Vietnam, last year.
Glitter set to appeal against sentence
Former pop star Gary Glitter is to appeal against his three-year sentence for child abuse in Vietnam, his lawyer has announced. The 61-year-old, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was found guilty earlier this month of sexually molesting two girls, aged 11 and 12, at his home in the Vung Tao resort in southern Vietnam, last year.
03 April 2006
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
