PR 290: COMMENTING ON THE LATEST INSPECTION REPORT AT HMP LEEDS A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE PRISON OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION SAID:

“The issues highlighted at HMP Leeds are a prime example of the crisis our members are having to cope with across the Prison Estate.

At Leeds:

• 78% of prisoners are being held in overcrowded cells designed for one person.
• 40% of prisoners are being locked up for around 22 hours per day.
• Fewer than 3% of key work sessions were able to be delivered in the last 6 months.
• Drugs are readily available.
• Staffing resources are stretched.

Under such circumstances it is unsurprising but no less shocking that this Prison recorded the highest number of self-inflicted prisoner deaths in all adult male Prisons over the last three years (16 deaths since the last inspection).

These are the appalling conditions that prisoners are being held in and that POA members have to face every time they come to work.

The Government cannot ignore this crisis any longer - we need urgent action to address the situation at Leeds and in Prisons the length and breadth of the country.”

Ends

For further information, contact: POA Press Office 020 8803 0255 Option 7