Strangeways jail in Manchester has been forced to implement emergency measures in response to a concerning surge in drugs and violence levels. The prison, famously known as HMP Manchester, has been labelled as “fundamentally unsafe” for both inmates and staff due to a significant deterioration in safety and hygiene standards.
Chief inspector Charlie Taylor issued an urgent notification to justice secretary Shabana Mahmood after his team’s unannounced visit revealed shocking findings. Inspectors were alarmed by the “catastrophic” levels of illicit drugs, linked to organised crime, which were undermining all aspects of prison life and contributing to the highest rates of serious assaults among all prisons in England and Wales.
The inspection uncovered a disturbing reality at Strangeways, with a high number of weapons and illicit items, 39% of inmates testing positive for drugs, and a failing CCTV system. The prison was struggling with broken windows and delays in repairing essential security features like anti-drone netting.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of order and control on prison wings, with many officers being new and incidents of poor and criminal behaviour going unchallenged. Over half the inmates reported feeling unsafe, self-harm rates were alarmingly high, and the prison had witnessed tragic self-inflicted deaths and suspected drug-related fatalities.
Moreover, as a training prison, HMP Manchester was failing in its responsibility to help inmates acquire skills for reintegration into society. Inspectors observed that less than 20% of prisoners participated in purposeful activities during the inspection period, highlighting a lack of meaningful engagement for rehabilitation.
The dire conditions at Strangeways were described as “filthy” with a severe rodent infestation and widespread damage to cell windows. Prisoners resorted to using foam from mattresses to block window frames due to the broken windows exposing them to cold temperatures.
Notably, HMP Manchester made history in 1990 as the site of the longest prison riot in British history. With urgent notifications now issued for eight crisis-stricken prisons in the past two years, the situation at Strangeways reflects a systemic challenge affecting many prisons across the country.
Prisons minister Lord Timpson acknowledged the need for immediate improvements and assured that an action plan would be forthcoming. He expressed concern over the prevailing state of the prison system and emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming prisons into places that facilitate rehabilitation and deter criminal behaviour.
As efforts are underway to address the critical issues at Strangeways, the broader call for reform in the prison system highlights the necessity of prioritising safety, security, and rehabilitation to create a more effective and supportive environment for both inmates and staff.