the view of a lifer

 The chipped paint on the wall seemed to mock me, each flake a tiny tombstone marking another year stolen. Thirty-five years. Thirty-five years of cold steel, stale bread, and the echoing silence of lost time. My eight-year tariff felt like a cruel joke, a cosmic punchline to a life sentence. They called it 'justice,' but justice felt like a blindfolded woman spinning a wheel of fate, landing on 'life' for some and 'parole' for others, seemingly at random.

I remember the trial, the gavel's thud a death knell to my youth. A young man, caught in the crosshairs of circumstance, convicted on flimsy evidence, a whisper of doubt ignored. They painted me as a monster, a threat to society. The media frenzy, the public outcry – it was a feeding frenzy, a spectacle designed to satisfy the bloodlust of the masses.

Now, I see the faces of younger men, their eyes mirroring my own youthful naiveté, their futures as uncertain as mine once was. They arrive with the same hollow hope, the same desperate belief in redemption. But the system grinds them down, slowly, relentlessly. The promises of rehabilitation, the whispers of reform – they're hollow echoes in this concrete tomb.

My eight-year tariff? A cruel jest. It's a mathematical equation devoid of human empathy, a calculation that ignores the soul-crushing weight of decades lost, the irreversible damage done. It's a number that mocks the concept of justice, a testament to a system that values retribution over rehabilitation, punishment over understanding. I've spent more than half my life here, and the only justice I've witnessed is the slow, agonizing erosion of hope.

The Strangeways Riots

 

The Strangeways Riots: A Look at the Unrest

The "Strangeways Riots," which occurred at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, stand as a significant event in British penal history. The unrest, which began in 1990, stemmed from a complex interplay of factors, primarily related to the prison's deplorable conditions and the inmates' sense of injustice.

Poor Living Conditions: The Core Issue

At the heart of the discontent were the appalling living conditions within Strangeways. The prison was severely overcrowded, exceeding its capacity and leading to cramped, unsanitary living spaces. The lack of proper sanitation facilities further exacerbated the situation, contributing to a generally unacceptable environment for the inmates. These conditions created a breeding ground for frustration and resentment.

Erosion of Rights and Ignoring Complaints

Beyond the physical environment, inmates felt their rights were being violated. They believed their complaints were routinely ignored by prison authorities, and they had little recourse to address their grievances. This perceived disregard for their concerns fostered a sense of powerlessness and fueled the growing unrest.

The Perception of Increasing Arbitrariness

Adding to the tension was the perception that the prison system was becoming increasingly arbitrary and unfair. Inmates felt decisions were being made without transparency or consistency, leading to a sense of injustice and a loss of trust in the system. This perception further contributed to the simmering discontent within the prison walls.

The Spark: An Escalating Incident

The riot itself was triggered by a seemingly minor incident. Reports indicate that the initial spark was a water bowl thrown at a prison officer. This act, however, was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of years of frustration and resentment. It served as a catalyst, quickly escalating into a larger protest.

A Prolonged Protest and Siege

What began as a localized incident quickly transformed into a full-scale riot and a 25-day protest. Inmates took control of portions of the prison, staging a prolonged standoff with authorities. The event drew national attention and highlighted the severity of the issues within the prison system. The Strangeways Riots became a symbol of the need for prison reform and a reevaluation of the treatment of inmates.

The passage begins with a stark assertion: history, in this context, the history of the prison system, is poised to repeat itself. The author, drawing on 35 years of experience within the system, suggests that current behaviors mirror those that have previously led to significant upheaval. The core of the message is a warning, a prediction of impending unrest.

The Tipping Point

The central argument revolves around the idea that the prison system is approaching a "tipping point." This is attributed to the treatment and communication style employed towards inmates. The author highlights the impact of constant dehumanization, likening the experience to being spoken to "like an animal" every day of the week. The question posed is direct: how would such treatment affect one's feelings and actions?

The Author's Stance

While the author acknowledges a long tenure within the prison system, they explicitly state they do not condone violence. This disclaimer is crucial, as it establishes the author's perspective as one of observation and warning rather than endorsement of any specific actions. The author is not advocating for violence, but rather, offering a perspective born of extensive experience.

Call to Action

The passage concludes with an invitation for dialogue. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage with the author's perspective. The provided email address, voiceforcons@gmail.com, serves as a direct channel for communication, allowing individuals to offer their own viewpoints or insights. This is a clear call to action, encouraging readers to engage with the topic and share their thoughts.

~Annonimus prisoner~

Officer sacked for messages to vulnerable woman

 A police officer has been dismissed and handed a suspended prison sentence after attempting to initiate a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman involved in a case he was investigating.

PC Jody Lathwell, formerly of Northamptonshire Police, was leading an investigation into serious offences when he tried to contact the woman via LinkedIn in November 2023, a misconduct panel heard.

The woman had made it clear she was vulnerable following an alleged abusive relationship.

The hearing report stated: "The suspect believed that the former officer's motive in carrying out the investigation was the inappropriate interest in the complainant."

The 44-year-old, from Bletchley in Milton Keynes, was suspended from duty while the force's Counter Corruption Unit carried out an investigation.

He was later charged with two counts of misconduct in a public office and pleaded guilty to one of the charges at Northampton Crown Court on 17 April.

The other charge was ordered to remain on the file.

On 28 May, he was sentenced at the same court to 32 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months

He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and complete 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

During the investigation, Lathwell said he was "in a bad place" at the time.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the court was told in mitigation that Lathwell had been a police officer for just over a year.

However, the misconduct panel concluded that this offered "little insight into the mindset of seeking out sexual interactions with a person who had reported a serious sexual offence to him".

'Only appropriate outcome'

The hearing found that, although Lathwell did not contact the woman directly, he exchanged sexually explicit messages with a LinkedIn account he believed belonged to her.

That account was later found to be controlled by the suspect in the same investigation.

He did not attend the gross misconduct hearing at Northamptonshire Police force headquarters but admitted the allegations through a representative.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet ruled that dismissal without notice was the "only appropriate outcome that would provide reassurance to the public".

Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley added that the officer's actions "fell well below the high standards" expected.

Lathwell has also been added to the police barred list.

PRISON OFFICERS UNION CALLS FOR ACTION TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE IN PRISON

"According to the POA"

 The Union representing the UK’s 35,000 Prison and Operational Support Grade Officers is calling for urgent action to address soaring levels of violence in jails in England and Wales. 

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Justice show that in the 12 months to September 2024, there were 342 assaults per 1,000 prisoners (29,881 assaults in total), up 14% from the 12 months to September 2023.

For the same period, the rate of assaults on staff was 120 assaults per 1,000 prisoners (10,496 assaults on staff in total), up 19%. 

Meanwhile the number of serious assaults on staff rose by 22%. 

Commenting on the release of these statistics Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers Associations said:

“These figures expose the true picture of violence in the prisons of England and Wales. The POA has been relentless in telling His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and the Ministry of Justice of the need for urgent action to address both violence against staff and prisoner on prisoner assaults but as we can see from these statistics which are the highest level of violence ever, that any action they have taken has been ineffective.”

Mark Fairhurst, National Chair of the POA said: 

"HMPPS and MOJ cannot dismiss the evidence that is staring them in the face. With assaults on Prison Officers up 19% and serious assaults up 22% we need urgent and sustained action to protect our members and the prisoners they look after. The POA continues to give HMPPS solutions to reduce the unacceptable levels of violence in our Prisons, but they refuse to listen. In any other sector there would be consequences for such a catastrophic failure by an employer to reduce violence. When POA members protect their health and safety at work they are threatened with disciplinary or court action. It is time Prison Leaders left their ivory towers and started listening to the frontline instead of forcing staff to work in unsafe prison regimes in pursuit of unlock periods that achieve little and are breeding violence against POA members.”

ENDS 

 

Prison staff attacks prompt police investigation

 Police are investigating attacks on three prison officers over the course of two days, one of which involved boiling water.

The incidents happened on Tuesday and Wednesday at the high-security HMP Whitemoor in March, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

The Ministry of Justice condemned the attacks as "unacceptable".

"We will not tolerate assaults on hard-working prison officers and will always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators," it said.

Police confirmed that an officer was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident at the prison on Tuesday at about 09:00 BST.

The second attack, which involved boiling water, happened the next day at about 11:30.

One officer was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while another officer suffered minor injuries.

The force said that both incidents are being treated as grievous bodily harm, and investigations were ongoing.

Our view.

In recent discussions surrounding prison violence, a critical examination of the relationship between inmates and officers has emerged. While violence is never condoned, it is essential to delve deeper into the underlying factors that contribute to these incidents. This article explores the reasons behind prisoner attacks on officers, drawing insights from firsthand accounts and broader systemic issues.

The Power Dynamics at Play

One officer, reflecting on his early days in the profession, shared a revealing perspective. At just 21 years old, he donned the uniform that symbolized authority and power over inmates. However, this power can often lead to an abuse of authority. The officer candidly admitted to using his position to bully inmates, a behavior that ultimately resulted in him being attacked.

Years later, now in his 30s, he articulated a crucial point: "This is why officers are being attacked, due to their attitude and their immature actions." This statement highlights a significant aspect of the issue—how the behavior of some officers can provoke violence rather than prevent it.

The Role of the Prison Officers' Association (POA)

The conversation around violence in prisons often brings the Prison Officers' Association (POA) into the spotlight. The POA has been vocal about the need for increased security measures, such as tasers and stab-proof vests. However, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of these measures.

• Violence Against Violence: Critics argue that simply arming officers does not address the root causes of violence. For instance, how can these measures prevent incidents like the one where an officer was attacked with scalding water?

• Respect as a Solution: Many believe that the key to reducing violence lies in fostering mutual respect. Treating prisoners as human beings rather than animals could significantly alter the dynamics within prisons.

The Bigger Picture: Systemic Issues

The issue of violence in prisons is multifaceted, influenced by various systemic factors:

1. Overcrowding: Many prisons operate beyond their capacity, leading to heightened tensions among inmates and staff.
2. Understaffing: A lack of adequate personnel can leave officers feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of confrontations.
3. Lack of Support: Reports indicate that many officers feel their concerns about inmate abuse are not taken seriously by management, leaving them feeling isolated and at risk.

The Flip Side: Officer Misconduct

While the focus often remains on inmate violence, it is crucial to consider the actions of some officers. Instances of officers smuggling contraband, such as phones and drugs, raise ethical questions about the integrity of the prison system. The POA's silence on these issues suggests a troubling prioritization of financial interests over the safety and well-being of both inmates and officers.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

In summary, the violence between prisoners and officers is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding. It is not merely a matter of increasing security measures but rather a call for a cultural shift within the prison system. By fostering respect and addressing systemic issues, it may be possible to create a safer environment for both inmates and officers alike.

As society continues to grapple with these challenges, it is essential to keep the conversation going. What are your thoughts on how to improve the situation in prisons?

Please let us know in the comments or by emailing us at: voiceforcons@gmail.com

Prison officer has emergency surgery after stabbing

 A prison officer has undergone emergency surgery, the BBC has been told, after being airlifted to hospital with serious injuries sustained when he was stabbed by an inmate at a high-security prison.

Emergency teams were called to HMP Long Lartin in South Littleton, near Evesham, Worcestershire, on Friday just before 08:40 BST.

The member of staff is in a stable condition, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said, with police adding that a weapon had been recovered.

West Mercia Police said initial investigations suggested there was a disagreement between an inmate and the 25-year-old prison officer that escalated, and described it as an "isolated matter".

Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills said: "Whilst our investigation is in its early stages, we would like to clarify that this incident is not being treated as terrorism.

"The injured prison officer currently remains in hospital in a stable condition, and we are sending him our best wishes for a full and quick recovery."

The force also posted on X that audio footage circulating on social media claiming to be of the aftermath of the attack was not connected to this incident.

A source has told the BBC the knife used was "not a prison-made weapon" and that it had "somehow been brought in".

The Category A men's prison houses more than 600 inmates, including men convicted of terrorism offences and more than two-thirds are serving life sentences, while the rest have jail terms of 10 years or more.

Earlier this year, the chief inspector of prisons warned about contraband illegally getting to inmates at the prison including gangs using drones to smuggle in weapons, drugs and phones.

"Physical security and counter measures were not robust enough," Charlie Taylor wrote in his report at the time, external.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said crews treated the prison officer for serious injuries before he was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

West Mercia Police said the 22-year-old inmate remained at the prison and the investigation was ongoing.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We will not tolerate assaults on hardworking staff and will always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators."

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Police are investigating an alleged attack on a prison officer by Southport triple killer Axel Rudakubana on Thursday.

Rudakubana was in his cell at HMP Belmarsh at the time and allegedly heated water up using a kettle in the room, Sky News understands.

He then threw the boiling water at the officer, who was standing outside the cell, through a hatch in his door, it is claimed.

The member of prison staff was taken to hospital as a precaution but only suffered minor injuries.

Rudakubana is serving life in jail for murdering Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last year.

Sky News understands the prison officer was discharged from hospital later the same day. They are expected to return to work at the prison, located in southeast London, next week.

Cell door hatches are used to pass medication to prisoners and most of them have kettles in their cells, Sky News understands.

Read more:
Two-phase public inquiry into Southport murders launched
Mum of Southport victim praises local community

A source said Rudakubana was being held in the prison's healthcare unit at the time in a state of near-isolation.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh yesterday.

"Violence in prison will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff."

It comes only weeks after Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, allegedly attacked three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham.

The members of staff at the high-security prison were attacked with cooking oil before being stabbed with an improvised weapon.

Following the attack, Abedi was moved back to HMP Belmarsh, where he had previously been found guilty of attacking a prison officer in May 2020, along with two other convicted terrorists.

In August 2020, he was sentenced to a minimum of 55 years in prison for helping his brother Salman Abedi plan his suicide bomb attack in 2017, which killed 22 people.