A recent report on HMP Berwyn, located in Wrexham, has revealed a significant number of assaults within the prison over a 12-month period. Covering the year from March 2023 to February 2024, the report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) documented 558 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and 173 assaults directed at staff.
The findings also show a consistent rise in incidents where force was used by staff, with a noticeable increase in these occurrences compared to the previous year. According to the IMB, there were two significant peaks in these incidents, occurring in March and June of 2023.
Increase in Use of Force Incidents
Despite the increasing number of recorded assaults, the report notes that the number of incidents per 100 prisoners has remained relatively stable, largely due to the growing population at HMP Berwyn. The number of prisoners involved in use of force (UoF) incidents jumped from 546 in 2022 to 741 in 2023, reflecting a broader challenge in managing the expanding inmate population.
Batons were used in 36 incidents throughout the reporting period, with all instances being subject to review by prison authorities. In cases where batons were deployed, body-worn camera footage was examined to determine if the force used was appropriate. The footage is retained for further examination when necessary, and any misuse of force is investigated to ensure compliance with protocol.
Staff at the prison are equipped with body-worn video cameras while on duty, which have become a key tool in both preventing violence and reviewing incidents when they occur. The cameras provide critical evidence in situations where the use of force is called into question, ensuring transparency and accountability in prison operations.
Use of PAVA Spray and Administrative Challenges
The IMB report also details the use of PAVA spray, a type of incapacitant, which was drawn 16 times during the year, with eight of those instances resulting in its deployment. The use of such measures is seen as necessary in managing violent outbreaks, but the IMB emphasises that it is applied with caution and only when deemed essential.
Administrative issues within the prison have also been highlighted as an area of concern. The report points to recurring problems with the paperwork for adjudications, the formal hearings that determine punishments for inmate misconduct. In several cases, procedural errors in issuing the documents led to cases being dismissed, undermining efforts to maintain discipline within the prison.
Addressing Safety Concerns
In response to the growing concerns about violence and safety at HMP Berwyn, prison authorities have reiterated their commitment to reducing assaults and improving conditions for both staff and inmates. Measures such as body-worn cameras and increased training for prison officers are seen as vital steps towards ensuring that incidents of violence are dealt with swiftly and effectively.
The ongoing use of batons and incapacitant sprays, such as PAVA, is closely monitored to ensure that they are only used in situations where other measures have failed to control violent behaviour. The aim is to strike a balance between maintaining order within the prison and safeguarding the welfare of inmates.
While the prison population has expanded significantly, authorities maintain that the rate of violent incidents has remained in line with previous years when adjusted for population growth. However, the raw numbers of assaults, particularly those involving staff, are still a cause for concern.
Wider Issues in the Prison System
The situation at HMP Berwyn is reflective of broader challenges facing the UK’s prison system, with overcrowding, staffing shortages, and an increase in violent offenders contributing to a rise in tensions across many facilities. The pressures on the system have been exacerbated by funding cuts in recent years, leaving prisons struggling to manage rising populations and increasingly complex needs.
Prison officers’ unions have consistently raised concerns about the impact of staff shortages on safety, both for officers and inmates. Despite being a relatively new facility, HMP Berwyn has not been immune to these pressures, with the IMB report highlighting the need for continued improvements in safety and security.
The administrative challenges identified in the report, particularly the issues surrounding adjudications, are also seen as symptomatic of a wider problem within the prison system. Ensuring that proper procedures are followed is essential for maintaining discipline and order within prisons, and failures in this area could undermine efforts to improve overall safety.
Looking Ahead
The IMB report stresses the need for sustained efforts to address the issues highlighted at HMP Berwyn. While some improvements have been made, particularly in the use of body-worn cameras and oversight of force incidents, there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Further investment in prison officers and enhanced training are seen as critical components of a broader strategy to reduce violence and improve conditions within the prison. Authorities are also focusing on addressing the administrative issues that have led to the dismissal of adjudication cases, ensuring that the system for dealing with inmate misconduct is robust and efficient.
As the prison population continues to grow, managing these challenges will be key to ensuring that facilities like HMP Berwyn can function safely and effectively. The government has signalled its intent to improve conditions across the prison estate, but achieving lasting change will require ongoing commitment and action.
The IMB’s report on HMP Berwyn provides a sobering look at the state of one of the UK’s largest prisons, with hundreds of assaults and a rising number of incidents where force was required. While the challenges posed by a growing prison population are significant, the measures being taken to improve safety, such as the use of body-worn cameras and stricter oversight of force incidents, are important steps in the right direction.
However, the issues surrounding violence, administrative failures, and staff shortages remain a concern. Ensuring the continued safety of both inmates and staff will require sustained attention, investment, and reform. As the prison system faces ongoing pressures, the focus must remain on creating a secure and rehabilitative environment that serves the interests of justice.
