Watchdog Report Uncovers Alarming Conditions at South London Prison
A damning inspection report has exposed severe issues at HMP Thameside, a Category B men's private prison operated by Serco in Woolwich, South London. The facility, which holds approximately 1,200 inmates with about 100 new arrivals weekly, was found to have 'high levels of violence' and drugs that are 'too readily available.' The inspection, conducted over three days from January 12 to January 14 this year, highlighted critical failures in safety and management.
Violence and Staff Inexperience Raise Concerns
The frequency and severity of violence at the prison were described as 'too high,' with instances of low-level poor behavior, such as vaping on landings, going unchallenged by staff. Many prison officers were noted as 'inexperienced,' contributing to a lack of effective oversight. However, the report acknowledged a positive trend: levels of violence against staff had decreased since the last inspection in February of the previous year.
Drug Availability and Security Lapses
Drug rates remain alarmingly high, with 25 percent of inmates testing positive over the past year. Some prisoners reported that narcotics were easily accessible, despite efforts to curb smuggling. Sniffer dogs and visitor searches had uncovered drugs in recent months, but 'not enough staff searches were completed.' Additionally, a critical security tool, the Rapiscan machine used to scan mail for illicit substances like spice, had been broken for several months, exacerbating the problem.
Mental Health Care and Self-Harm Statistics
Care for prisoners with mental health conditions was deemed 'not good enough,' with those needing hospital transfers facing excessive wait times. The average wait was 66 days, and only a handful of the 29 transfers in the last year met the 28-day target. On a brighter note, the recorded rate of self-harm had reduced by 28 percent over the past six months compared to the same period before the inspection. The report also mentioned one non-natural death since the last inspection, which is still awaiting classification.
Leadership Changes and Progress
Under a completely new leadership team, including a new director, deputy director, head of education, and leaders in healthcare and safety, the prison has shown signs of improvement. Inspectors commended the team for driving progress and taking concerns seriously. A new lead is successfully expediting mental health transfers, though challenges persist. The report underscores the need for continued efforts to address the deep-rooted issues of violence, drug availability, and inadequate mental health support at HMP Thameside.
