Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 169
169
Deferred
High prison population and overcrowding exacerbate drug demand by limiting purposeful activity and support.
Conclusion
The high prison population and overcrowding lead to a lack of purposeful activity and poor mental health support which exacerbate the existing drivers of drug demand. Efforts to reduce demand are therefore made more challenging and complex. This undermines any chance that prisoners might have of rehabilitation as it makes avoidance almost impossible for those attempting to change. (Conclusion, Paragraph 47)
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on safeguarding staff from drug exposure, outlining existing risk assessments, reporting procedures, and support systems for affected staff. It does not address the committee's conclusion regarding how high prison populations and overcrowding exacerbate drug demand by limiting purposeful activity and mental health support for prisoners.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Safety within our prisons remains a key priority and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of protection to prevent staff exposure to drugs. To ensure this, we have a National Risk Assessment and Standard Safe System of Work (SSOW) on illicit and hazardous substances, and every suspected exposure incident is reported through the Sphera Accident Reporting System. Following a report of staff exposure, an accident investigation is initiated to establish the facts of the incident so an appropriate response can be applied to reduce the chance of recurrence. Staff are equipped to provide support to those impacted by exposure incidents and can, where appropriate, engage additional assistance through the Employee Assistance Programme or Occupational Health services to ensure comprehensive care and wellbeing support is provided for affected staff. HMPPS and NHSE will work in partnership to deliver this recommendation across healthcare and prison teams. Health staff regularly report exposure to drugs and have similar arrangements in place for reporting and accessing support from line managers and occupational health.