HM Inspectorate of Prisons has released a damning report into HMP Winchester. Local MP Steve Brine says its findings are disturbing but no surprise to anyone who has followed recent events at the prison.
HMIP published their report today (Wednesday 20th March 2013) following an announced inspection of HMP Winchester carried out between 15 and 19 October 2012.
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine; "The IMB Annual Report last Autumn did not make comfortable reading and people will remember it raised some serious areas of concern With another new Governor coming on board late last year, while it is no surprise the report of HM Inspectorate is so damning, it's findings are no less disturbing.
"A busy local prison will always suffer from the constant churn of prisoners but I have been concerned for some time that constant changes in leadership were having a negative effect on the prison, not least in its ability to meet the key objective of reducing re-offending. I met very recently with our new Governor David Rogers and there is certainly no hiding from the bare truths of this report. I do however, share the inspector's view that there are positive signs of a determined effort to tackle Winchester's problems, including a very tough new programme to tackle the high prevalence of drugs.
"The new prison team now need the stability and the space to put this right."
Steve added that he is discussing HMP Winchester on a regular basis with Ministers and is speaking to Nick Hardwick (HM Inspector) to support the turnaround of the prison.
Steve Brine is a member of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee which has responsibility to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Ministry of Justice and associated public bodies, including the prison estate in England and Wales.
More information ...
You can read the Inspector's report in full via the HMIP website (opens directly as a PDF).