Critical safety concerns putting prisoners at risk at HM Prison Leeds

Local TV

A new inspection report of HM Prison Leeds has raised concerns about the number of self-inflicted deaths, with Leeds recording the highest rate out of all adult men’s prisons over the last three years.

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00:00With most prisoners at His Majesty's Prison Leeds in Armly doubling up in cells built for one,

00:06and with staff-to-prisoner relationships being described as inconsistent,

00:10a damning new inspection report has raised serious concerns about the safety and conditions at the Category B facility.

00:17It has the highest rate of self-inflicted deaths across adult male prisons in England over the last three years,

00:23with a combination of significant mental health needs and poor day-to-day support for vulnerable prisoners

00:29creating a serious threat to safety.

00:32Illicit drugs remain another major issue, with Leeds having the highest number of drug equipment fines

00:37and second-highest drug fines among all reception prisons.

00:4237% of surveyed inmates had a drug or alcohol problem,

00:46and nearly one in five said they had developed that problem while inside prison.

00:50Conditions within the jail are described as overcrowded and under-stimulating,

00:54with limited access to education or work.

00:59He noted that fewer than 3% of planned one-to-one support sessions had taken place over the past six months.

01:18The report did highlight an example of positive practice,

01:21a scheme allowing school-age children to visit their fathers in the early evening,

01:25and while the Governor was recognised for having a clear vision and for investing in staff training,

01:31inspectors concluded that outcomes for prisoners had deteriorated across every area since the last inspection.

01:38The Ministry of Justice say urgent action to address self-inflicted deaths at HMP Leeds is currently being taken.

01:44The Ministry of Justice ends

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