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‘Why no justice for prisoners?’

If someone assaults prison staff in any way the police are immediately informed by the prison authorities and they are on the case investigating. But when a prisoner gets seriously assaulted, which happened to me, (though not at this prison) and all my injuries were recorded and photos taken – could this prisoner have the police notified and an investigation begun within the hour? The answer is NO.

“We are all humans, we all bleed, so why are prison staff given carte blanche to beat and torture those in their care and then just go about their business as though nothing has happened.”

Prisoners who are assaulted by prison staff have to make their complaint via a written Comp1 form, which can take weeks (and sometimes never) to get any sort of answer. The police or prison authorities show little interest when a prisoner has been seriously assaulted by staff. So my question is – why is there one rule for prison staff and then a more complicated and convoluted rule for prisoners. We are all humans, we all bleed, so why are prison staff given carte blanche to beat and torture those in their care and then just go about their business as though nothing has happened? Answers please.

Editorial note
Prisoners have the right, if they desire, to contact the police themselves directly, or their family can do this. This can be done, if necessary by writing to the local police station. Written requests should be placed for photographs to be taken of injuries. Always request a Crime Number to ensure it is properly recorded. Keep copies of all correspondence and write down, immediately, what happened with dates and times, persons involved and any witnesses. Other prisoners are often reluctant to act as a witness for fear of reprisals.