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Exeter

AI-generated report summary HMP Exeter is an all-male and young offender category B reception prison (Local) with a small resettlement function. At the end of the reporting year, its operational capacity remains at 310. During the year there were four deaths in custody.

Year: 2025 Published: 27 May 2026 Type: Prison · Cat B Key concerns Positive findings
Original IMB report page ↗ Ministerial response · 26 Jun 2026 ↗

Safety statistics

Incidents during reporting year
IndicatorThis yearPrevious
Deaths in custody4—

Positive findings

AI-generated summary
The prison was found to have improved its performance and outcomes for prisoners across all key areas of inspection: safety, respect, purposeful activity, and preparation for release. Staff training has continued to expand with fortnightly training sessions. The appointment of a neurodiversity support manager and the decision to introduce an incentivised substance free living (ISFL) unit on D wing reflects the prison’s recognition of this.

Key concerns

6 items
Safety Delays in the CCTV project and the continued closure of A wing impact negatively on the safety and security of prisoners and staff
Safety A rise in the number of illicit items entering the prison which causes intermittent instability
Safety An increased number of prisoners self-isolating, linked to the high number of deaths in custody, but with some improvements in supporting their needs
Estate/Conditions Repeated Poor conditions in D wing – too hot in summer, damp and mould in winter
Healthcare Lack of permanent, suitable clinical and peer review space throughout 2025
Education/Purposeful Activity Reduced variety and choice in the provision of educational courses

Related inspections & investigations

18 Nov 2025 HMIP · Unannounced Safety 2 · Respect 3 · Activity 2 · Release 4
13 Nov 2023 HMIP · IRP
18 Nov 2022 HMIP · Urgent Notification
31 Oct 2022 HMIP · Unannounced
16 Mar 2021 HMIP · Inspection
— PPO fatal incident Parth Shahi
— PPO fatal incident Shaun Leggett · Natural causes
— PPO fatal incident Michael Marsh · Self-inflicted
— PPO fatal incident Connor Bresland
— PPO fatal incident Ben Foley · Self-inflicted
19 Sep 2023 PFD Stewart Stanley · State Custody related deaths | Suicide (from 2015)
28 Jul 2021 PFD Carl Walters · State Custody related deaths
8 Sep 2015 PFD Ian Emsley · State Custody related deaths
24 Jul 2015 PFD Carl Smith · Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths | State Custody related deaths

Other reports for Exeter

2024 Published 13 Jun 2025 · Self-harm 276 · Concerns
2023 Published 5 Jul 2024 Population 309 · Self-harm 384 · Concerns
2022 Published 18 Jul 2023 Population 342 · Concerns
2021 Published 4 May 2022 Population 406 · Concerns
2020 Published 28 May 2021 Population 420 · Concerns