Urgent measures to tackle violence and drugs at HMP Woodhill
The Government plan aims to improve conditions at the Buckinghamshire prison
Specialist staff, increased disciplinary action, and strengthened security measures are set to be deployed at HMP Woodhill as part of a new Government initiative aiming to reduce violence, combat drugs, and enhance safety.
An action plan has been launched in response to serious failings identified by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) following an Urgent Notification issued in March.
Inspectors highlighted high levels of violence, easy access to drugs, and significant self-harm rates at the Buckinghamshire facility.
The action plan seeks to enhance safety and conditions, bolster staff capabilities, and improve prisoner outcomes.
Measures include a new safety strategy aimed at identifying and supporting those at risk of self-harm, along with stronger security enhancements such as wires and window grilles to prevent the inflow of illicit items via drones.
Lord James Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, emphasised the need for urgent intervention, stating:
"The prison crisis we inherited has left too many jails struggling with violence, drugs and poor conditions.
"This action plan sets out the decisive steps we are taking to improve safety, tackle drugs and drones, and get more prisoners into the education and training they need to leave crime behind."
A new living unit incentivising substance-free behaviour will be introduced, accompanied by specialist staff recruitment to assist prisoners with addiction issues.
Focus on rehabilitation will be intensified with improved education and work opportunities to aid offenders in transforming their lives.