Concerns over jail where drugs 'readily available'

Concerns about a jail where drugs were a "significant issue" and residential units were in poor condition must be addressed urgently, HM Inspectorate of Prisons said.

After an unannounced inspection, drugs were found to be readily available at HMP Featherstone near Wolverhampton and the rate of self-inflicted deaths was the 10th highest among jails for adult men.

The range of vocational training was too narrow and support to prevent reoffending not good enough, the watchdog said, although its report stated leadership was "committed and visible".

The Prison Service said it was cutting the flow of drugs into jails and boosting training in response to the number of self-inflicted deaths.

Progress since an inspection in 2022 was "limited", the chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, said.

He added that, of 11 concerns raised previously, only three had been fully addressed at the Category C training and resettlement site when visited again last year, when it held 650 adult male prisoners.

During the latest inspection from 23 September to 9 October, the watchdog identified 13 key concerns, of which six should be treated as priorities, the report said.

The included readily available drugs, as evidenced by the "very high random mandatory testing rate", and insufficient opportunities for prisoners to demonstrate both a reduction in risk and progress made during sentence.

The inspectorate found outcomes for inmates were "not sufficiently good" against the watchdog's four "healthy prison assessments" - safety, respect, purposeful activity and preparation for release.

Taylor said: "The prison's future depends on robust action to improve outcomes for all prisoners, underpinned by effective oversight, investment in infrastructure, and a renewed focus on rehabilitation and resettlement."

Despite some investment, older residential units, mainly built in the 1970s, were still in poor condition, although the prison was "reasonably clean and most prisoners look after their cells", he stated.

There were "pockets of good practice", Taylor also said.

The report stated inspectors found three examples of notable positive practice, including that the "impressive" drug recovery wing gave those with a substance misuse history the support needed to help them address their situation.

Leaders were focusing individualised support on prolific users of illicit substances and there were "some good, practical initiatives" to support prisoners with neurodiverse needs.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are cutting the flow of drugs into prisons across England and Wales by using X-ray body scanners, detection dogs, and restricted fly zones.

"On top of this, we are also boosting training for staff to tackle the number of self-inflicted deaths."

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