Drugs found almost 900 times at Parc Prison in a year before 'worrying' inspection

 More than half of prisoners at the troubled Parc Prison told inspectors it was easy to access drugs, while just over a third at two of the main wings said they had developed a drug or alcohol problem since arriving at the jail.

That's according to the findings of an inspection in January, which revealed that almost 900 drugs finds were made in the year before the Bridgend prison was inspected.

The prison has come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with 17 inmates having died at HMP Parc in 2024 – more than at any other prison that year.

The inspection found that levels of violence remained high, which prisoners attributed to "frustration with a lack of consistency in the daily regime, boredom, long periods locked up, the widespread availability of drugs and not having enough to eat".

The report also found that levels of self-harm remained high and had increased by 58% since the last inspection.

However, it noted that since the arrival of a new director in June 2024, the recruitment, retention and morale of officers had improved, and while "far too many drugs were still getting into the prison", "it was clear that Parc had begun to recover".

G4S, which runs Parc, said it is "working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan to once again deliver excellent services at HMP Parc".

The HM Inspectorate of Prisons report said the transition to a new management contract at the prison was at the root of many of its problems, at a time when its former director had left along with other senior leaders. The report said: "This had fundamentally destabilised the prison and left it unable to grip the problems it faced."

The report said: "The new director arrived in June 2024 and since then had set about resetting the jail. He had stabilised the leadership team, and improved the recruitment, retention and morale of officers. At the time of our inspection, there had been no more drug-related or self-inflicted deaths since his arrival.

"He and his team were in no doubt about the challenges that they faced. The prison had become far too violent; levels of self-harm (already too high at our last inspection) had increased by 60%. Despite the impressive commitment of the security team, which had made nearly 900 drugs finds in the last year, there were far too many drugs getting into the jail."

Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor, of HM Inspectorate of Prisons, said: “The staff team, which was used to being proud of the place at which they worked, had been through a very difficult time, but there were signs that things were beginning to turn around. "Partnership working between prison leaders and the new education provider had begun to improve, as had the regime and practical release planning arrangements.

“Inspectors left the jail with some assurance that Parc had begun to recover, morale was better, and pride was beginning to return.

"Practically, if G4S and the prison service are able to expedite the replacement of windows which are vulnerable to drone deliveries and to provide enhanced gate security, that will help to reduce supply of drugs. If the current director remains in place and he receives the support he needs from the provider and the prison service, then there can be optimism that the early signs of improvement at this important prison can begin to be consolidated and sustained.”

A spokesperson for HMP Parc said: "The first six months of 2024 were extremely difficult and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the men that passed away. Since then, considerable work has been carried out to make significant improvements at the prison.

“We are encouraged that HMIP recognises that we are making solid progress and noted positive developments in tackling violence, self-harm rates and use of force.

“We are determined to ensure the men in our care are safe, supported and can feel optimistic about their futures, and we are working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan to once again deliver excellent services at HMP Parc. Our plan includes all of HMIP’s recommendations."

 

Tasers in prisons to be trialled after Abedi attack

Written by

Frankie Desmond (Voice for Cons)

in

Uncategorized

“The use of Tasers in prisons will be trialled after officers were injured by the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, the justice secretary has said.

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) had called for staff to have access to electric stun guns in light of Hashem Abedi’s use of makeshift weapons to attack staff at HMP Frankland, a high-security prison in County Durham.

Shabana Mahmood told the Commons on Tuesday: “Wherever we can strengthen our defences, to better protect our staff and the public, we will do so.”

However, POA chairman Mark Fairhurst told the BBC he did not believe a trial was necessary and called for their use to be rolled out “before one of my members is murdered”.

Three officers received hospital treatment after the attack on 12 April. One remains in hospital in a stable condition, while two others have since been discharged.

At the time of the attack Abedi was held in a separation wing used to house the most dangerous and extremist prisoners.

However, he had access to a kitchen, where he was able to heat cooking oil and fashion weapons from equipment which he used to assault the officers.

Following calls for urgent action to keep prison staff safer, Mahmood confirmed HM Prison and Probation service would begin a trial on the use of electric stun guns.

It is due to be launched in the summer and will be limited to facilities housing adult males.

She said a separate independent review into the attack would “ascertain how this incident was able to happen, what more must be done to protect prison staff and, more widely, how separation centres are run”.

Mahmood has previously ordered a “snap review” into the use of protective body armour for prison staff.

She paid tribute to the “bravery of the officers involved that day”, which she said “undoubtedly saved lives”.

Mr Fairhurst, who is due to meet the justice secretary on Wednesday, said the attack had been a clear indication that officers faced urgent danger, and disputed the need for a trial period before allowing prison staff access to electric stun guns.

“The police force has used this equipment for years, we know it’s effective,” he said.

Mr Fairhurst said the equipment should be rolled out in all high-security facilities and used by specially trained staff. He continued: “If not, our lives are on the line.”

Currently, prison officers are only able to carry an extendable baton and synthetic pepper spray.

Abedi, who helped his older brother Salman plan the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, was jailed for life with a minimum 55 years in prison after being convicted of murdering 22 people.

He had been moved to Frankland after carrying out an earlier attack on prison officers in London’s Belmarsh prison in 2020, for which three years and 10 months was added to his sentence.”

Introduction

The management of prisons is a multifaceted issue that involves balancing security, rehabilitation, and the humane treatment of inmates. Recent discussions have emerged regarding the introduction of stun guns for prison officers, raising concerns about potential abuses of power and the implications for inmate-staff relations. This article explores these concerns through the lens of an individual with extensive experience in the prison system.

The Potential for Abuse of Power

Stun Guns and Increased Violence

The introduction of stun guns in prisons is viewed by some as a misguided approach to managing inmate behavior. Critics argue that arming officers with such devices may escalate violence rather than mitigate it. The perspective of a long-term inmate suggests that the presence of stun guns could lead to more aggressive interactions between staff and prisoners. This viewpoint emphasizes a fundamental principle: respect. When inmates are treated with dignity, they are more likely to respond positively.

The Role of Respect in Prison Dynamics

Respect is a two-way street. The assertion that “if you treat a prisoner like an animal, they will act like an animal” underscores the importance of humane treatment. Inmates often feel marginalized and bullied by prison staff, which can exacerbate tensions within the facility. The focus on punitive measures, such as the Incentives and Earned Privileges (I.E.P.) scheme, is seen as a form of bullying rather than a constructive approach to rehabilitation.

Staff Inexperience and Communication Challenges

The Need for Training

A significant issue highlighted is the inexperience of prison staff. Many officers lack the necessary training to handle complex situations, particularly those involving inmates with serious mental health issues. This gap in knowledge can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Instead of resorting to force, staff should be equipped with skills in communication and conflict resolution.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Inmates often struggle with mental health challenges, which can manifest in various ways. The argument is made that prison officers should be trained to recognize and respond to these issues effectively. By fostering an environment of understanding and support, the likelihood of violent incidents may decrease.

The Role of Technology in Prisons

Drones and Security Concerns

As of 2025, the use of drones in prisons has primarily been associated with the smuggling of contraband, such as drugs and mobile phones. The concern is that introducing stun guns could lead to a further escalation in the types of contraband entering prisons, including firearms. This potential for increased violence raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for a more comprehensive approach to prison management.

The Distinction Between Officers and Police

A critical point made is the distinction between prison officers and police officers. The role of a prison officer should focus on rehabilitation and maintaining order within the facility, rather than adopting a law enforcement mentality. This shift in perspective is essential for creating a more positive environment for both staff and inmates.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding the introduction of stun guns in prisons highlights significant concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the need for improved communication and training among staff. By prioritizing respect and understanding, the prison system can work towards reducing violence and fostering a more rehabilitative environment. As discussions continue, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of these policies on both inmates and staff, ensuring that the focus remains on humane treatment and effective rehabilitation.