Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Preston is a well-run prison but valiant attempts to improve conditions in this Victorian edifice have only ameliorated conditions and regional investment has been piece-meal. HMP Preston requires a significant injection of funding. In particular major investment is required to purchase the county museum which form the boundary to the prison. This would allow the totally inadequate space in reception to be resolved.
Staffing
Prisons face a growing problem with shortage of administrative staff at bands 2 and 3. This leads to vital areas such as the administration of complaints, visits, prisoner’s finances falling behind what is acceptable. The back-logs in these important areas directly impact adversely on prisoner welfare. The Board is informed that these particular administrative grades have low pay scales and poor working conditions. This needs addressing at a national level.
Resettlement/Release
Preston recently received a prisoner from HMP Kirkham who was subject under the Imprisonment for public protection Order (IPP). He was sentenced over seventeen years ago. He was presumably being readied for release when he was sent to an open prison but he was so institutionalised he was unable to cope and his behaviour deteriorated. The IMB believe that we have reached a point where special arrangements should be introduced to assist the release planning of IPP prisoners who are way beyond their tariff dates.
Complaints/Property
The backlog of Comp 1 forms needs addressing.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
In-cell technology is now available in some prisons. The provision of lap-tops to prisoners provides prisoners with a form of communication that greatly enhances their lives and dignity. The IMB are hoping for Governor to ensure that HMP Preston is at the forefront of this bold new initiative.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The use of lap-tops operated by OMU and Through the Gate staff, on Wings, would also greatly improve and speed up prisoner assessments and sentence planning.
Healthcare
The waiting list for dental treatment has become excessive and this has become a barrier for prisoners receiving timely treatment for even serious and painful conditions.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The prison should return to a full regime including education/occupational training/exercise.
Resettlement/Release
There should be an integrated and improved resettlement service, including housing/financial advice/drug counselling/family liaison.
Estate/Conditions
Cell conditions should be Improved and upgraded, including better toilet screening.
Education/Purposeful Activity
A return to qualification opportunities in horticulture and the gymnasium.