Overcrowding
Repeated
Overcrowding. We are aware that the problems of overcrowding are caused by a lack of capacity in the prison estate and that these are influenced by several factors. However, the problem remains a very real one which is causing difficulties for prison staff, as well as having a detrimental effect on the mental health of prisoners and reducing the effectiveness of resettlement work in reducing reoffending.
Overcrowding
Repeated
Each year, the IMB reports on the continuing use of cells designed for single occupancy which are authorised for double occupancy. In HMP Lindholme, there are some 86 such cells. This one fact undermines all other efforts to treat prisoners fairly and humanely.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
Imprisonment for public protection (IPP) We are still concerned at the number of men who remain in prison with IPP sentences. Numbers in the prison have increased slightly to 41; a high percentage of these are licence recalls. The Board requests that more emphasis and engagement is given to implementing the HMPPS strategy to prepare these prisoners for release.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
Property (inter-prison transfers). The loss of a prisoner’s property is regularly reported as a concern in many IMB reports. In addition, there are the many administrative hours spent dealing with this issue and, of course, the cost of compensation. Nevertheless, the problem of prisoners’ property going missing on transfer still remains. The Board strongly urges that the HMPPS gives this a higher level of importance with the aim of fully resolving this issue.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
Complaints. A large proportion of prisoners who were surveyed (73%) stated that their complaint was not dealt with within the prescribed timescale (Appendix 4, question 19). The Board is aware that a comprehensive plan is in place to improve the complaints procedure. However, we ask that this be closely monitored as we recognise the importance of a good complaints procedure to the success of a prison.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
Property (internal). The number of complaints regarding issues with property going missing within the establishment is high. This includes cell clearances and other reasons for the movement of property. We request that the governor address this urgently.
Resettlement/Release
it remains a concern that over 120 prisoners were released into the community last year without the full benefit of a structured pre-release programme
Resettlement/Release
the Board is concerned that, unless a more structured approach is taken, significant numbers will continue to be released without undergoing adequate resettlement planning, particularly in respect of their accommodation needs.
Education/Purposeful Activity
However, the Board is concerned at the current levels of prisoner attendance in these workshops.
Safety
55% are aware of victimisation, racism or bullying.
Substance Misuse
Some 42% of prisoners consider the drug problem in the prison to be serious
Healthcare
Repeated
the Board continues to be disappointed that in November’s prison survey 69% of prisoners said that they found it difficult to contact healthcare.
Staffing
Whilst daily communication with prisoners is good, what appears to be lacking is the ability of prison officers to provide answers to prisoners’ problems and issues.
Staffing
The evidence indicates that there is a lot of pressure on the POMs. The Board acknowledges this heavy caseload and the good work that is done by the staff of the offender management unit (OMU), however, we are concerned that this pressure is diluting the time available for effective sentence management
Staffing
current staffing levels are insufficient to reduce the backlog of prisoners waiting to attend an offending behaviour course which has been designated as part of their sentence plan to reduce their risk of reoffending.
Equality/Diversity
it is disappointing that there is no external scrutiny of the DIRFs.
Equality/Diversity
The delay in responses to DIRFs was consistent, with some concern by the Board regarding the complaints system at HMP Lindholme in general.
Equality/Diversity
The Board is disappointed that the use of one wing for older prisoners has now ceased, and that they are now located with the general prisoner population.