Prison drug policy enforcement
Failures in enforcing prison drug policies, including acting on positive drug tests for non-prescribed substances.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
95match
#167 - Consistently update prison drug testing methods to detect evolving New Psychoactive Substances.
The MoJ and HMPPS must consistently update prison drug testing methods to enable the detection of the constantly changing chemical makeup of these NPS, including synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. Robust data collection should be expanded to include drug purity/potency where feasible. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34)
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
95match
#164 - Revise drug testing policy for dual response: disciplinary action and treatment referral.
The MoJ and HMPPS must revise the drug testing policy to ensure that positive test results consistently trigger a dual response: swift and certain disciplinary action (with a rehabilitative element) and an immediate, 60 mandatory referral for a clinical needs assessment and engagement with tailored substance misuse treatment and psychosocial support. (Recommendation, Paragraph 24)
Matched on
terms: drug, policy
Committee recommendation
91match
#162 - Increase Mandatory Drug Testing rates across prisons to at least pre-pandemic levels.
The MoJ and HMPPS must increase MDT rates to at least pre-pandemic levels. An immediate and mandatory intervention from regional or national HMPPS command, including the deployment of specialist teams to ensure testing is reinstated immediately, should be triggered. (Recommendation, Paragraph 22)
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
91match
#161 - Restore consistent, high-volume Mandatory Drug Testing across the entire prison estate.
Mandatory Drug Testing rates do not reliably measure drug prevalence. The MoJ’s own admission that resource constraints limit its capacity for MDT testing and therefore its ability to produce robust, publishable data demonstrates the failure of the current approach. The suspension of regular testing makes it extremely difficult to accurately assess the current scale of drug use or...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
87match
#176 - High prevalence of drugs, particularly NPS, poses an unacceptable threat to prison staff safety.
The high prevalence of drugs in prisons, particularly NPS, poses an unacceptable and direct threat to the safety and well-being of prison staff. The current reality of staff becoming “desensitised” to daily suffering is a sign of a failed system and a dangerous culture of acceptance that must be broken. Staff are not only exposed to violence and...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
87match
#172 - Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of prison violence and systemic instability.
Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of violence, coercion and systemic instability within the prison estate. The prevalence of drugs creates a shadow economy where debts, which can accrue up to £10,000, are collected through intimidation and violence. The consequences extend beyond the prison walls, with criminal networks coercing family members to pay a prisoner’s debt, sometimes...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
87match
#163 - Speed up plans to introduce wastewater-based drug surveillance across the entire prison estate.
The MoJ and HMPPS must speed up plans to introduce wastewater- based surveillance to identify new substances across the entire prison estate. If successful, this wastewater surveillance should be deployed in all prisons to monitor drug usage trends within two years of the pilot. (Recommendation, Paragraph 23)
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
87match
#160 - Widespread illicit substance availability normalises drug use and addiction within prisons.
The widespread and increasing availability of illicit substances has fostered a culture of acceptance that normalises drug use in prisons. This makes the presence of drugs inescapable for many prisoners. The situation is made worse by two key factors: the high number of people entering prison with an existing addiction, and the worrying trend of prisoners who had...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
83match
#192 - Eliminating external communication is critical to disrupting prison drug supply chains
Given that the Organised Crime Group market is based on reliable means of communication and that sophisticated smartphones are readily available within prisons, eliminating external communication is the single most critical intervention to disrupt drug supply chain management, debt coordination and criminal operations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 111)
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
83match
#179 - Require balancing prisoner punishments with mandatory drug treatment referrals and resourcing consistent adjudications
We recommend that punishments, such as the loss of privileges, are balanced with a mandatory referral to drug treatment services. This ensures that individuals are held accountable while also directed towards the support they need to break the cycle of addiction. We also recommend that the Earned Progression model is accompanied by a clear, measurable plan to ensure...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
83match
#173 - Drug-related medical emergencies strain prison staff and reduce purposeful activity, fueling drug demand.
Every drug-related medical emergency in prison, especially when fatal, is a needless tragedy. The significant number of ’code blues’ in some prisons adds to the significant strain already being experienced by staff. This leads to regime restrictions and increased time spent in cells. This, in turn, reduces access to purposeful activity and rehabilitation programmes, creating a self-perpetuating cycle...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
82match
#165 - Significant shift towards undetected New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in prisons.
We are deeply concerned by the significant shift towards the use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), most notably synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. Their popularity is due to their affordability, accessibility and their potency. In turning to these drugs, prisoners are able to “cheat the system” as current drug testing systems fail to detect them. Therefore, it is...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
82match
#23 - Crowding and capacity pressures severely impact prisoner health and drug treatment in prisons
Several stakeholders provided written evidence on how crowding and capacity pressures are impacting health and drug treatment in prisons.78 For example, HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) noted that the strain at some reception prisons are under means that prisoners do not always receive the required health assessments or safety interviews. It warned that this creates significant risks as...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
81match
Jerome Jones
The coroner identified a lack of policy for additional checks on prisoners with repeat NPS use, especially when combined with existing medical conditions. There was also no method for drug workers to communicate these risk factors to healthcare or prison officers, and drug workers lacked access to medical records to inform their advice.
Matched on
terms: drug, policy, prison
PFD report
81match
Kristopher Tilbury
The coroner identified persistent issues with the widespread availability of illicit drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids, at HMP The Mount. Reports from inspections and monitoring boards consistently noted weak drug supply reduction efforts and easy access to substances, impacting prisoner safety.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
81match
#178 - Significant backlog in adjudication process undermines prison discipline and progression model
The significant backlog in the adjudication process, acknowledged by the Prisons Minister, undermines discipline in prisons. While current policy allows governors to balance punishment with support, we received evidence which shows this is not happening consistently. Some prisoners face no repercussions, while others are removed from rehabilitative programmes. The latter approach is completely counterproductive. The Earned Progression model...
Matched on
terms: drug, policy, prison
PPO recommendation
81match
The Governor
The Governor should ensure that the diversion and trading of prescribed medication is fully addressed in the prison’s local drug strategy; medication dispensing is supervised at all times, in line with the local policy; and guidance is issued on effective supervision.
Matched on
terms: drug, policy, prison
Committee recommendation
78match
#181 - Allocate dedicated capital funding for advanced prison detection technology and software updates
The Government must allocate dedicated capital funding for the accelerated acquisition and maintenance of advanced trace detection technology and full-body scanners in all prisons. This investment must include a mandated requirement for rapid, regular software library updates for all drug detection equipment to ensure they remain effective against emerging and new psychoactive substances (NPS). (Recommendation, Paragraph 79)
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
78match
#166 - Take urgent steps to address the evolving threat of New Psychoactive Substances in prisons.
Given the extreme potency and low lethal dose of substances such as Nitazenes and Fentanyl, the circulation of these drugs in prisons leads to a high risk of drug-related deaths and overdoses, as tragically seen at HMP Parc. The MoJ and HMPPS must take urgent steps to address the evolving threat of NPS. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
77match
John Pace
The coroner noted that a new drug detoxification discharge pathway for prisoners at HMP Chelmsford lacks formal documentation, including protocols and policies. This absence prevents consistent implementation and monitoring, raising concerns about future risks to prisoners.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
IMB recommendation
77match
Isle of Wight (2024)
All positive drug test results are forwarded by security to the substance misuse treatment team so that support can be provided. Could a similar centralised approach be adopted so that the inclusion team is notified when a prisoner is under the influence or alcohol is found in their cell?
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Scottish FAI
76match
Jason Ritchie
For the Medical in Possession Policy to be effective and efficient, the prison staff must be alert continuously to the dangers inherent in the self administration of drugs in line with the IP policy. I nonetheless consider that it is a matter that should be, if not already, addressed by the prison authorities.
Matched on
terms: drug, policy, prison
Committee recommendation
74match
#197 - Advanced drug detection technology is an essential prerequisite for preventing drug ingress
A major obstacle to tackling drug supply is the disparity in security equipment provision between prisons. The prisons that utilise drug detection technology demonstrate its profound and immediate impact on security. This confirms that investments in advanced detection machinery are not optional, but rather an essential prerequisite for consistently detecting and preventing the ingress of drugs. (Conclusion, Paragraph...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
74match
#195 - Manage key OCG operators under enhanced security, segregating them from general prison population
Individuals identified as key OCG operators must be managed under enhanced security protocols and, where possible, segregated from the general prison population to prevent them from exploiting vulnerable prisoners and staff to maintain their “clean profile”. The practice of merely transferring these individuals between prisons, which leads to spikes in violence and drug use in the prison to...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
Committee recommendation
74match
#194 - Collaborate to develop systems tracking electronic transactions linked to OCG activity in prisons
HMPPS must urgently collaborate with law enforcement and financial institutions to develop and deploy systems capable of tracking electronic transactions linked to known or suspected OCG activity in the prison context. (Recommendation, Paragraph 113)
Matched on
terms: enforcement, prison
PFD report
73match
Liam Smith
The coroner identified non-adherence to mandatory ACCT procedures for prisoners at risk of inadvertent self-harm, inadequate dissemination of medical information upon arrival, and gaps in healthcare staff's access to patient notes. There were also concerns about limited interaction with high-risk drug users.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
73match
James Spencer
The coroner noted inadequate training for support officers in recognising drug-related collapse, particularly regarding risks for recently released prisoners. Review of induction policies, staff training, and ongoing updates was recommended to improve officer awareness and resident safety.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
73match
Andrew Carr
Birmingham Prison did not review or record vital information about a prisoner's history of psychoactive substance use upon transfer. The report also highlighted that no solution had been found for five years to prevent drugs being passed through the prison's plumbing system.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
73match
Anthony Clacher
The coroner noted the absence of a national policy or local protocol at the time of death for welfare checks and monitoring prisoners found under the influence of psychoactive substances, despite the known risks of deterioration and self-harm.
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
PFD report
73match
Ian Miller
Concerns were raised about medication management at HMP Usk, where prisoners self-manage drugs that are not securely stored. This contributes to widespread trading of prescribed medication among prisoners, risking future deaths.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
73match
Stephen Weatherley
The coroner identified concerns regarding data recording and retention practices at HMP Thameside, including lost documents and incomplete records, and the absence of a written policy for suspected drug swallow incidents.
Matched on
terms: drug, policy
PFD report
73match
Kane Boyce
The coroner identified a practice of staff deliberately ignoring cell bells and a lack of policy regarding isolating power to cells. There was also a failure to follow the 'Under the Influence Policy' and insufficient staff understanding of Prison Service Instruction 64/2011 concerning trigger dates.
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
PPO recommendation
73match
Governors of prisons with MCBS units
Governors should ensure that: there is an effective security and searching strategy in place in MCBS units, which reflects the specific risks of the prisoners housed there; prisoners and cells are searched thoroughly and in line with the local policy; and measures are in place to guard against staff becoming complacent about security and staff are able to...
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
PPO recommendation
73match
The Head of Drug Strategy and the Lead Pharmacist
The Head of Drug Strategy and the Lead Pharmacist should develop officer training on monitoring medication and the risks associated with prisoners using unprescribed medication and ensure it is delivered.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
IMB annual report
72match
Wayland (2024)
The IMB's latest survey at HMP Wayland shows a generally positive shift across many areas, including improved induction experiences, property handling, and healthcare complaint responses. However, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning staff's ability to provide effective support for personal issues and loneliness, which has worsened. Concerns also remain regarding cell decency, the pervasive availability of drugs, inadequate resettlement...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
IMB annual report
72match
Lowdham Grange (2025)
HMP Lowdham Grange has seen some safety improvements since HMPPS took over, but faces critical challenges including six deaths in custody, widespread drug availability with high positive test rates, and a significant increase in use of force. Healthcare provision remains a major concern due to chronic staffing shortages, lack of night cover, and long mental health transfer delays....
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
69match
Dean Boland
The coroner identified insufficient staff awareness and multi-disciplinary coordination regarding drug issues within the prison. Additional concerns included inadequate medication administration checks, limited cell searches, lack of overnight prisoner monitoring, and insufficient measures to prevent drugs entering the facility.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
69match
Jonathan Palmer
The coroner noted no effective system exists for prisoners' families to input relevant health information and ensure its dissemination to prison teams and proper recording. Concerns were also raised about the ineffective measures to control contraband, such as illicit drugs like Spice, entering the prison.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
69match
Andrew Craig
The coroner identified ongoing issues with the use of prescription and illicit drugs at HMP Guys Marsh, noting that the chaotic medication dispensing process at the healthcare hatch allows for drug transfer and redistribution among prisoners.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
69match
Daniel Stokes
The coroner noted the jury's view that proper systems were lacking for prison healthcare staff to be trained and authorised to administer diazepam when a prisoner is suffering from controlled drug abuse.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
69match
Imran Mahmood
Concerns were identified regarding the potential for e-cigarette heating coils in prison to be misused for drug preparation and to start fires. The coroner questioned if e-cigarettes for prison use could be manufactured with sealed heating components.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PFD report
69match
Anthony Binfield
The coroner raises concerns about prison staff failing to manage cell observation panels safely and in accordance with policy, noting a culture of delayed cell entry when panels are obscured. This practice, which risks lives, persists despite previous incidents and multiple staff notices.
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
PFD report
69match
Gavin Wheale
The HMP Birmingham secreted item policy lacks clear guidance for situations where an item has been ingested without its packaging. There is also no equivalent level of monitoring for prisoners previously under constant supervision when transferred to the prison regime.
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
PFD report
69match
Sheldon Jeans
The coroner noted a lack of national and local policy regarding illicitly brewed alcohol (hooch) in prisons. Concerns were also raised about insufficient governance for medication held in possession by prisoners, which could be accessed by others.
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
PFD report
69match
Lewis Petryszyn
The coroner identified an absence of prescribed timeframes in policies for substance misuse intervention and support for prisoners, which poses a risk of delayed assistance.
Matched on
terms: prison
PPO recommendation
69match
The Prison Group Director for women’s prisons
The Prison Group Director for women’s prisons should write to the Ombudsman setting out what he has done to satisfy himself that there is sufficient healthcare presence in the first night centre; that prison staff working in the first night centre have been adequately trained in the management of prisoners withdrawing from drugs and alcohol; and that steps...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
PPO recommendation
69match
The Director General of Prisons
The Director General of Prisons should urgently consider what additional support can be put in place to address staffing shortages at The Mount and consider, as a matter of urgency, how it can reasonably be expected to deliver an effective drug strategy and regime.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
IMB annual report
69match
The Mount (2023)
HMP The Mount faced a challenging year ending February 2023, marked by a severe drug crisis involving Fentanyl-laced Spice, resulting in nine deaths, five of which were drug-related. Persistent staffing shortages led to a restrictive regime, limiting prisoners' access to education, work, and purposeful activity. Key concerns included overcrowding from cell doubling, significant healthcare waiting times exacerbated by...
Matched on
terms: drug, prison
IMB annual report
69match
Wetherby (2023)
HMYOI Wetherby experienced a challenging reporting year ending August 2023, marked by periods of severe instability, high violent behaviour, and increasing contraband finds. While the Board commended improvements in the estate, healthcare provision, and some excellent resettlement initiatives, significant concerns persist regarding the unpredictable regime, insufficient time out of cell, and the inadequate conditions on B wing. Staffing...
Matched on
terms: policy, prison
IMB recommendation
69match
Erlestoke (2025)
What further actions are being considered to reduce the ingress of illicit substances? While the Board recognises enhanced security measures which have been put in place, drugs remain readily available throughout the prison.
Matched on
terms: drug, prison