Chief prisons inspector slams Norwich prison

Key recommendations from seven recent deaths in custody have not
been implemented at Norwich prison, according to the chief
inspector of prisons today, writes Clare
Jerrom.

In an inspection report of the jail, Anne Owers found
“unacceptable deficits in safety” and “parts of
the prison were simply unfit for habitation”.

Black and ethnic minority prisoners complained of unequal
treatment and the prison’s own monitoring statistics found
that they were disproportionately likely to be subjected to use of
force or be placed in a special cell.

Anne Owers

The inspector also slammed the prison for:-

• Inadequate mental health provision

• Poor support plans for prisoners at risk

• Known bullying

• Insufficient protection for vulnerable prisoners.

Owers said the deficits were disappointing as there was a great
deal to build on including good relations between staff and
prisoners and effective resettlement carried out by voluntary
organisations.

She concluded that the key task was to decide on the role and
future of the prisons and said some of the accommodation needed to
be “improved or closed”.

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