261: RESPONDING TO THE UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION REPORT OF HMP MANCHESTER THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 17TH SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 3RD 2024.

POA Chair Mark Fairhurst said,

“This is a shocking report that exposes widespread organised criminal activity, serious violence and rampant drugs misuse as commonplace in this Prison.

The fact that Inspectors found the Prison had the highest number of weapons and other illicit items of all holding adult men anywhere in the country is an appalling indictment of management failure.  

The Prison’s own data highlights that it was among the most violent jails in the country with six self-inflicted deaths of prisoners and three more linked to drug misuse.

If we add to this the lack of basic order and control, litter, rodent infestation, poor cell conditions and restricted regime, then we see a perfect storm that our members are faced with every day at work.  

The Ministry of Justice and HMPPS must act to ensure that our members are protected and can work in an atmosphere free of violence and aggression. The POA will never accept such conditions being seen as the norm in the prisons of England and Wales.”

 

ENDS

 

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office                                                020 8803 0255 Option 7