Inmates at HMP Kirkham, an open prison in Lancashire known for having the highest drug use rate in the country, have expressed feelings of frustration and boredom during a recent surprise inspection. Inspectors visiting the facility in September noted a pervasive smell of cannabis wafting through the prison grounds, highlighting the prevalence of illicit drug activity.
Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, raised serious concerns about the abundance of illegal drugs within the prison, revealing that a staggering 25% of mandatory drug tests conducted on inmates returned positive results. Despite these alarming figures, Taylor acknowledged that efforts were being made to address some of the long-standing issues plaguing the Category D facility.
With a current population of 672 prisoners, HMP Kirkham is facing a critical shortage of meaningful activities for inmates. Many prisoners lamented their boredom and lack of productive engagement, leading to increased drug use among the population. The report from the inspection painted a bleak picture of the prison’s shortcomings, highlighting deficiencies in providing purposeful activities and adequate preparation for eventual release.
Taylor commended the newly appointed acting governor for her efforts in tackling the challenges confronting the prison, emphasizing the need for sustained action to improve conditions for both staff and inmates. The Ministry of Justice echoed Taylor’s sentiments, acknowledging the systemic crisis within the prison system and emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance towards drugs.
As the government grapples with overcrowding issues in prisons, plans have been announced to expand capacity by creating 14,000 additional prison places in England and Wales by 2031. This initiative includes the construction of four new prisons, expansion projects at existing facilities, and the establishment of temporary cells to accommodate the growing inmate population.
Notably, a proposed “super prison” in Chorley, Lancashire, received approval from the deputy prime minister, signaling a shift towards addressing the pressing need for increased prison capacity. The move comes in response to growing concerns over the state of prisons in the UK, with a focus on promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates among offenders.
While the challenges facing HMP Kirkham are significant, efforts are being made to improve conditions and provide inmates with the support they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. The government’s commitment to combating drug use and enhancing safety within prisons underscores the ongoing push for reform within the criminal justice system.
In the midst of these developments, the community is urged to stay informed through platforms like BBC Radio Lancashire and social media channels to engage with the critical issues affecting prisons and criminal justice in the region. With a collective effort towards reform and rehabilitation, there is hope for a brighter future for both inmates and society at large.
