Prison inmates claim drugs are easy to get

A new poll has revealed that almost half the prisoners inside prisons in Essex believe that it is easy to get access to drugs.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons carried out the survey amongst prison inmates and found that drugs were readily available at HMP Chelmsford, far more so than at other, similar prisons in Essex. As much as 47% of prisoners responded to the survey claiming it was easy to get their hands on illegal drugs at HMP Chelmsford, compared to a 38% average at comparable prisons. The survey revealed the main problem to be caused by new psychoactive substances, formerly known as legal highs.

HMP Chelmsford holds up to 745 prisoners, most of whom are adult males. HM Inspectorate of Prisons stated that management at the prison had responded proactively to tackling the problem, which has been linked to violence and bullying amongst prisoners.

The Howard League for Penal Reform’s Andrew Neilson, said, “This is the latest in a long series of inspection reports that reveal how the prison system is failing as it contends with the disastrous consequences of chronic overcrowding and deep cuts to budgets.”

It was claimed by Phil Copple, the NOMS chief operating officer, that whilst the Chelmsford prison does have its strengths, notably in prison staff and prisoner relationships, there is more work to be done, especially in reducing the levels of violence and tackling the issue of self-inflicted deaths.