Population pressure leads to more violence at HMP Coldingley
Increased pressure on the prison system has led to some prisoners being transferred to HMP Coldingley before they’re ready for its category C regime, which is focused on training and resettlement. This churn of prisoners and instability has resulted in a sharp increase in violence.
- Recorded incidents of violence between prisoners have risen by 50% during the reporting year, and incidents of violence towards staff have risen by 40%.
- The incentivised substance free living accommodation, intended to help recovery and rehabilitation, has become so overcrowded it no longer serves its purpose and use of illicit substances is widespread on the wing.
- One third of prisoners still do not have access to in-cell sanitation. Refurbishment is only scheduled to be completed by May 2027 at the earliest. The one completed wing is a great improvement, but the Board remain concerned that other prisoners continue to live in appalling and inhumane conditions while work is ongoing.
However, the Board are pleased to report that:
- Helpful and compassionate practices in the treatment of difficult men in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) have been observed by the Board, with prisoners expressing appreciation for the efforts of the CSU staff.
IMB Coldingley Chair, Mark Judd, said:
“The increase in violence at Coldingley and the effect it has on both prisoners and staff is very disturbing. With no prospect of pressure on the prison system easing, the Board is very concerned that violence will continue to increase. During the reporting year much of the new Governor’s time was spent on rectifying urgent maintenance issues. We hope in the upcoming year more can be done to support prisoners living in unacceptable and antiquated living conditions.”