Source · IMB Annual Report
Liverpool
Year: 2022
Published: 10 Oct 2023
Type: Prison · Cat B local
Recommendations: 7
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP Liverpool, a Category B local adult male prison, generally provided a safe and humane environment in 2022 despite an old Victorian infrastructure and frequent regime closures due to staffing issues. The Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships, maintained healthcare services, and satisfactory educational provision. Key concerns persist regarding long segregation periods for mentally ill prisoners, inconsistent main gate security, ongoing property issues during transfers, and insufficient investment for rehabilitation.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 4 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 347 | — |
| ACCT cases opened | 488 | 549 |
| Prisoner assaults | 90 | 91 |
| Assaults on staff | 31 | 43 |
| Use of force | 270 | 286 |
| Drug finds | 117 | — |
Positive findings
The Board noted the positive impact of reduced prisoner association on the overall settled atmosphere. The prison is commended for a 28% reduction in violence against staff. Relationships between staff and prisoners are generally good, and healthcare needs are met with transparent leadership. Educational and vocational provisions are satisfactory, and the work of the POPs team and family contact arrangements are impressive. Resettlement targets are being met and the chaplaincy is commended for their vital service.
Key concerns
Mental Health
Repeated
Long periods of segregation for prisoners experiencing mental health difficulties, particularly those awaiting transfer to specialised facilities.
Safety
Repeated
Security arrangements at the main gate for staff/visitors are not robust and consistent, meaning contraband could enter the prison.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
Prisoner property continues to go astray during transportation between establishments, causing distress to prisoners.
Staffing
Significant investment is needed to fund facilities and staffing levels to improve the job prospects and rehabilitation of prisoners.
Safety
Repeated
Improvement on the uptake and activation of body worn video cameras is a repeated concern of the board, as usage is not consistent.
Substance Misuse
Repeated
Mandatory Drug Testing within the prison has not been given sufficient attention throughout the year, with inconsistent staffing and lack of action on positive results.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strengthen and enhance legislation to prevent prisoners being segregated for long periods of time, particularly those experiencing mental health difficulties. Repeated | Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | The prison will need significant investment to fund facilities and staffing levels which can improve the job prospects and rehabilitation of prisoners. For the prison to develop the capacity as a model Category C prison, a comprehensive plan to engage partners and fund training will be essential. | HMPPS | |
| 3 | Prisoner property continues to go astray during transportation between establishments. Better communication and clear lines of accountability need to be in place to help resolve issues quickly and efficiently and reduce the distress caused to prisoners. Repeated | HMPPS | |
| 4 | Develop policy to improve overall sickness and absence rates of prison officers to reduce the level of curtailed activities and programmes across the prison service in supporting better rehabilitation of offenders. | HMPPS | |
| 5 | Develop a consistent approach to security arrangements at main gate. Repeated | Governor / Director | |
| 6 | Continue to insist on the usage of body warn camera by all on duty officers. Repeated | Governor / Director | |
| 7 | Deploy consistent levels of staffing to the Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT) programme. | Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 45 | 38 |
| C&R (Care and Rehabilitation) | 37 | 42 |
| Custody (including staffing levels and time out of cell) | 49 | 37 |
| Equality | 13 | 7 |
| Healthcare | 14 | 26 |
| Other | 16 | 21 |
| Personal finance and employment | 16 | 12 |
| Property | 35 | 54 |
| Security and safety | 23 | 19 |
| Total | 261 | 269 |
| Visits | 13 | 13 |
Related inspections & investigations
11 Aug 2025
HMIP · Unannounced
16 Dec 2016
PFD
Mark Lilliott · State Custody related deaths; Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths
Other reports for Liverpool
Report details
- Establishment
- Liverpool
- Type
- Prison · Cat B local
- Report year
- 2022
- Published
- 10 October 2023
- Responsible body
- HMP Liverpool
- Recommendations
- 7
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 2 — Concern
Population
| Operational capacity | 800 |
Service providers
Education
Novus
Escort contractor
GeoAmey
Facilities management
Amey
Healthcare
Spectrum Healthcare UK Limited
Library
Liverpool City Council