Winchester Prison slammed in report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons

HMP Winchester HMP Winchester

TWO severely disabled prisoners were crammed for 23 and a half hours a day into a Hampshire jail cell designed for one, an inspection found.

The two had not showered for months and relied on other inmates to take them their meals, HM Inspectorate of Prisons found.

The incident was highlighted in a damning report today into falling standards at Winchester Prison.

The category B jail has deteriorated sharply and is now of serious concern, Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said.

Staff were unaware that the two could not use the shower on their landing as it was not adapted.

The men had a small cell window that was painted over so they had to choose between keeping out the cold or shutting out the light, the report added.

A third of the 680 prisoners told inspectors illegal drugs were “easily available”, while one in 10 developed a drug habit within the jail walls. Drug use was relatively high and too few prisoners suspected of taking drugs were tested.

More than half the inmates had felt unsafe, while there was insufficient action to tackle violence.

Inspectors witnessed “foul abuse” towards vulnerable prisoners in the exercise yard. Almost four out of five vulnerables felt unsafe at some time, while inappropriate sexual images of naked women were found on their wing.

The day-to-day experience of many prisoners was poor, with insufficient activity places, the report said. Resettlement work, preparing inmates for release, was weak.

Mr Hardwick said new governor David Rogers was tackling its problems: “Until shortly before the inspection, HMP Winchester was neglected and drifting. There had been pockets of good practice and, although many staff did their best, their efforts were often haphazard, inconsistent and badly coordinated.”

He added: “The new leadership was aware of many of the problems and we saw early signs of a determined effort to tackle them.”

The Inspectorate also found that resources were stretched with problems made worse by a lack of a stable leadership.

Governor David Ward was on sick leave before his replacement by Mr Rogers last September.

Mr Rogers, 46, in charge of a £13 million annual budget and some 300 staff, told the Daily Echo: “The place was struggling to be frank. Like anything, to have a ship without a captain, it was slightly rudderless.

“I'm starting to import some of my vision and morals. In this environment that is very important. It is a belief borne out of 22 years in the prison service.”

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “It is exceptionally disturbing to see a prison with a previously good reputation collapse to such lows. The damning report into this overcrowded and dangerous prison is yet another symptom of our overstretched and wasteful justice system.

“This is a prison where inmates didn't feel safe and the vulnerable were abused, where drugs were easily available but laundry facilities were not. Graffiti was found throughout, including sexual images, but 95 per cent of prisoners struggled to get on programmes to help them turn their backs on crime.”

Some rare good news is that an Anglican chaplain has been appointed after a gap of several years. Rev Marina Brain was licensed and installed by The Ven Michael Harley, Archdeacon of Winchester last week.

Mr Rogers said: “I am delighted to welcome such an experienced chaplain to our senior management team and am certain that Marina will be a tremendous asset in the future development of the Chaplaincy team.”

  • Read the full report below:

Comments(68)

bigal007 says...
6:03am Wed 20 Mar 13

i worked there many years ago they need to sort out the staff than the inmates it was the worst job i ever done there more problems with staff than inmates

it was the same old story it not what you know its who you know if you wanted to get on in there

i worked there for 4 years i was happy to see the back of it some of the officers should be named and shamed power goes to there heads

well i in alot better job now and so much happyer

romsey saint says...
7:03am Wed 20 Mar 13

Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison

J.P.M... says...
7:44am Wed 20 Mar 13

romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
put a lot of thought into that comment?

Big Mac says...
7:53am Wed 20 Mar 13

bigal007 wrote:
i worked there many years ago they need to sort out the staff than the inmates it was the worst job i ever done there more problems with staff than inmates

it was the same old story it not what you know its who you know if you wanted to get on in there

i worked there for 4 years i was happy to see the back of it some of the officers should be named and shamed power goes to there heads

well i in alot better job now and so much happyer
Good for you. Hopefully there's not too much writing required.

bigal007 says...
8:02am Wed 20 Mar 13

Big Mac wrote:
bigal007 wrote:
i worked there many years ago they need to sort out the staff than the inmates it was the worst job i ever done there more problems with staff than inmates

it was the same old story it not what you know its who you know if you wanted to get on in there

i worked there for 4 years i was happy to see the back of it some of the officers should be named and shamed power goes to there heads

well i in alot better job now and so much happyer
Good for you. Hopefully there's not too much writing required.
lol i cant use a computer

OSPREYSAINT says...
8:36am Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M... wrote:
romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
put a lot of thought into that comment?
You haven't, have you anything sensible to add to the debate? Let's hear it.

OSPREYSAINT says...
8:42am Wed 20 Mar 13

I would imagine that the photograph could be a help for anyone planning an escape! Anyway with a new Chaplain they have help in praying to get out of the place. This is obviously a Prison that needs to be sorted out, but the current Government have other priorities for their money so don't expect an improvement soon, more likely a cutback in staff.

hulla baloo says...
8:43am Wed 20 Mar 13

romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
Short, sweet and accurate. Southy, take note. ;)

nosuchluck54 says...
8:46am Wed 20 Mar 13

I will try to add something sensible, but by the look of the above it will fall on deaf ears.Whatever their crimes they should be entitled basic facilities not just for their sake but for anyone coming into contact with them at any time and if the article is correct they were not.

elvisimo says...
8:54am Wed 20 Mar 13

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
J.P.M... wrote:
romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
put a lot of thought into that comment?
You haven't, have you anything sensible to add to the debate? Let's hear it.
He is right. Usual narrow minded soundbites. He could save his fingers the trouble. It did not 'add' to any debate as his comment was trite and pointless.
Was he suggesting that this is what prisoners should expect? If so somewhat worrying

freefinker says...
9:05am Wed 20 Mar 13

.. well, so much for the 'holiday camp' we keep hearing about.

Subject48 says...
9:07am Wed 20 Mar 13

they they should be given a 5 star hotel room with sky, and a mini bar.

arthur dalyrimple says...
9:15am Wed 20 Mar 13

third world country , becoming more apparent as each week goes by.

Raxx says...
9:18am Wed 20 Mar 13

romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
And releasing them back into society with an even more messed-up view of life, a more aggressive attitude, and a new drug habit helps the rest of us how exactly?

loonaloop says...
10:00am Wed 20 Mar 13

romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
Spot on mate. How the hell can a criminal have the right to complain about standards inside, Human rights etc etc. Do they think of human rights whilst drunkenly smashing someones head in or burgling someones home ? Cheeky tw@ts.

nosuchluck54 says...
10:01am Wed 20 Mar 13

loonaloop wrote:
romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
Spot on mate. How the hell can a criminal have the right to complain about standards inside, Human rights etc etc. Do they think of human rights whilst drunkenly smashing someones head in or burgling someones home ? Cheeky tw@ts.
Is that what they did?

kev63 says...
10:10am Wed 20 Mar 13

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
I would imagine that the photograph could be a help for anyone planning an escape! Anyway with a new Chaplain they have help in praying to get out of the place. This is obviously a Prison that needs to be sorted out, but the current Government have other priorities for their money so don't expect an improvement soon, more likely a cutback in staff.
Yeah, coz you can't see it on google maps can you? Der

OSPREYSAINT says...
10:19am Wed 20 Mar 13

It says it is a category B Prison, what sort of crimes does this entail, I have little interest in criminals, but if their Crime isn't all that serious, they shouldn't all be tarred with the same brush. There are some who will continue to commit crimes all their lives, but for others a short sharp shock could get them back on the straight and level. As someone said, it's easy to post sanctimonious sound bites, as if they themselves have never been out of order ever in their lives. I am a bit old school, was brought up to respect the law and fear the consequences of breaking it, doesn't mean that there hasn't been temptation or even the possibility of being stitched up, Yes, I agree if you don't want to do the time don't commit the crime, but that is far too simplistic if you are a human being.

loonaloop says...
10:20am Wed 20 Mar 13

nosuchluck54 wrote:
loonaloop wrote:
romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
Spot on mate. How the hell can a criminal have the right to complain about standards inside, Human rights etc etc. Do they think of human rights whilst drunkenly smashing someones head in or burgling someones home ? Cheeky tw@ts.
Is that what they did?
does it matter what they did? let me give you a clue - They are in prison i.e wrongun`s = loss of any rights. Its a shame transportation was stopped in my opinion. by the way have you ever been a victim of crime because in my eyes anyone who has sympathy for the pond life inside must be one of them.

OSPREYSAINT says...
10:20am Wed 20 Mar 13

kev63 wrote:
OSPREYSAINT wrote:
I would imagine that the photograph could be a help for anyone planning an escape! Anyway with a new Chaplain they have help in praying to get out of the place. This is obviously a Prison that needs to be sorted out, but the current Government have other priorities for their money so don't expect an improvement soon, more likely a cutback in staff.
Yeah, coz you can't see it on google maps can you? Der
It was a joke comment, lighten up.

nosuchluck54 says...
10:22am Wed 20 Mar 13

loonaloop wrote:
nosuchluck54 wrote:
loonaloop wrote:
romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
Spot on mate. How the hell can a criminal have the right to complain about standards inside, Human rights etc etc. Do they think of human rights whilst drunkenly smashing someones head in or burgling someones home ? Cheeky tw@ts.
Is that what they did?
does it matter what they did? let me give you a clue - They are in prison i.e wrongun`s = loss of any rights. Its a shame transportation was stopped in my opinion. by the way have you ever been a victim of crime because in my eyes anyone who has sympathy for the pond life inside must be one of them.
Nice sentiments,impressed

-stiv- says...
10:55am Wed 20 Mar 13

I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners.

If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures?

Any rehabilitation?
Any retraining?
Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside?
Mental heath care?

They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not.

No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again.

I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .

bigal007 says...
11:45am Wed 20 Mar 13

one thing tat we are missing is that the prison has to give them a duty of care no matter what they have done i know somepeople may find that hard whats happed the magerment of the prison is very bad bad magerment of staff and in the end the staff get peed off lots of sick thats why they get locked down for 23 hours then in trun the inmates go mad and have lots of time on there hands to plan things

its the magerment should be in the firing line

i think the prison sevice should be very wrorred as humman rights for the chaps who can not have showers and the right to sun light and one more thing they are eating where they poo the law says there should be 2 doors betwen the toilet and where you eat

Inform Al says...
1:18pm Wed 20 Mar 13

loonaloop wrote:
nosuchluck54 wrote:
loonaloop wrote:
romsey saint wrote:
Easy answer is ....... if you dont commit a crime you will not go to prison
Spot on mate. How the hell can a criminal have the right to complain about standards inside, Human rights etc etc. Do they think of human rights whilst drunkenly smashing someones head in or burgling someones home ? Cheeky tw@ts.
Is that what they did?
does it matter what they did? let me give you a clue - They are in prison i.e wrongun`s = loss of any rights. Its a shame transportation was stopped in my opinion. by the way have you ever been a victim of crime because in my eyes anyone who has sympathy for the pond life inside must be one of them.
What have you got against Aussies?

Inform Al says...
1:23pm Wed 20 Mar 13

I thought the article was about my supported accommodation until I got to the bit about drugs. Thanks to a bus route that allows some of the oldies to get to the doctors and pharmacy but not back and others to get back but not to the doctors and pharmacy there is probably a shortage of drugs here. Not to worry though if they don't die off they can get themselves sent to prison, eventually, for their drugs.

nosuchluck54 says...
1:32pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Inform Al wrote:
I thought the article was about my supported accommodation until I got to the bit about drugs. Thanks to a bus route that allows some of the oldies to get to the doctors and pharmacy but not back and others to get back but not to the doctors and pharmacy there is probably a shortage of drugs here. Not to worry though if they don't die off they can get themselves sent to prison, eventually, for their drugs.
Fingers crossed you live in the Southampton area then at least i know there is about 30 miles between us and i can sleep safely at night

rightway says...
1:35pm Wed 20 Mar 13

-stiv- wrote:
I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners.

If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures?

Any rehabilitation?
Any retraining?
Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside?
Mental heath care?

They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not.

No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again.

I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .
I think it says a lot more about a nation on how they treat the victims.

kiddynamite says...
2:02pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Its Prison not a bloody Hilton!!!
They should get nothing but smashed in the face each and every day for their crimes!!! Who cares if scum live in a shithole? I dont! I pay my mortgage hence i live somewhere nice!

Vars1234 says...
2:24pm Wed 20 Mar 13

-stiv- wrote:
I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners.

If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures?

Any rehabilitation?
Any retraining?
Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside?
Mental heath care?

They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not.

No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again.

I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .
I completely agree... The numbskulls who have spouted hatred (and by the way kiddynamite, wanting their faces smashed in every day makes you sound like a complete criminal thug yourself and no one suggested prison should be like the Hilton so please try to add something intelligent to the debate) clearly have no understanding of the very real issues that affect prisons and their populations. 16% of the prison population is severely mentally ill with many more suffering from other mental health issues. Most have been victimised in their own formative years through violence and abuse and a larger than average proportion were brought up in care. If we want to help these people to live law abiding lives and in this way protect society from further harm then we need to address the needs of the prisoners and start to support their rehabilitation, with the help of probation and other appropriate agencies. This needs resources but is much cheaper than paying for the policing, prosecution and sentencing for further crimes, not to mention the emotional cost to victims. I work within the criminal justice system (and yes I have also been the victim of crime) and ignorant people who spread thuggish counter-productive views really irritate me. Thank you stiv and the other rational people for bringing some intelligence to the debate.

Subject48 says...
3:30pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Vars1234 have your house ever been burgled?

Do you know anyone close that had their head kicked in for no reason because the ocupant of our hiltons i mean prisons wanted to sho ho "ard" he was to his mates?

What you dont seem to get your head around is that certain individuals will rob and killy ou if you give them your last penny for the shirt on your back.

As much as I'm a firm believer in that fact that everyone should be given a chance, there comes a point where enough is enough.

You cant force someone to change no matter how much money and effort you throw at them.

As someone well pointed out, human rights should be aprivelage you give up the moment you CHOOSE to act against humanity.

mickey01 says...
5:00pm Wed 20 Mar 13

dont really care about the conditions they are in disabled or not they should be 4 to a cell and lump it

SOULJACKER says...
5:22pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Hahahahaha, who cares!

You wanted to do the crime, so you have to do the time :)

You are lucky you ain't in the state pen in the USA.....cause they wouldn't listen to your moans, you have far too many rights for my liking & if I had my wqay you would be breaking up the rocks & building the prison extensions.

Don't like boys & girls....TOUGH :P

Lockssmart says...
5:24pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M. Is a Troll

cantthinkofone says...
6:32pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Once again, to all the 'tough' men who think there's nothing wrong with it:
.
Releasing them back into society with an even more messed-up view of life, a more aggressive attitude, and a new drug habit helps the rest of us HOW?
.
Engage your brains before waving your oh-so-macho w1llies about.

J.P.M says...
6:33pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Lockssmart wrote:
J.P.M. Is a Troll
I agree

Anyone who goes to all the bother of:-

*Wishing to impersonate
*Creating a new email address
*Registering on the DE website with false details

Really is sad, and deserves all the childish name-calling that comes their way.

(Just to explain - they have taken my nametag and added a dot on the end)

J.P.M says...
6:34pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Locksmart - I see from your IP address that you may not be innocent?

cantthinkofone says...
6:34pm Wed 20 Mar 13

"They got what they deserved hurhurhur!"
.
"Oh, now they've mugged my nan..." *sad face*

Vars1234 says...
6:38pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Subject48 wrote:
Vars1234 have your house ever been burgled?

Do you know anyone close that had their head kicked in for no reason because the ocupant of our hiltons i mean prisons wanted to sho ho "ard" he was to his mates?

What you dont seem to get your head around is that certain individuals will rob and killy ou if you give them your last penny for the shirt on your back.

As much as I'm a firm believer in that fact that everyone should be given a chance, there comes a point where enough is enough.

You cant force someone to change no matter how much money and effort you throw at them.

As someone well pointed out, human rights should be aprivelage you give up the moment you CHOOSE to act against humanity.
subject48, yes, my family and I have been victims of armed robbery at gunpoint. I also work with murderers and other high risk offenders although the type of offender / prisoner that you speak of is thankfully very rare and certainly not representative of the average criminal... Where does your opinion come from and are you any kind of authority on the subject, or are you just regurgitating tabloid gumph??

cantthinkofone says...
6:41pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Vars1234 wrote:
-stiv- wrote:
I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners.

If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures?

Any rehabilitation?
Any retraining?
Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside?
Mental heath care?

They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not.

No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again.

I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .
I completely agree... The numbskulls who have spouted hatred (and by the way kiddynamite, wanting their faces smashed in every day makes you sound like a complete criminal thug yourself and no one suggested prison should be like the Hilton so please try to add something intelligent to the debate) clearly have no understanding of the very real issues that affect prisons and their populations. 16% of the prison population is severely mentally ill with many more suffering from other mental health issues. Most have been victimised in their own formative years through violence and abuse and a larger than average proportion were brought up in care. If we want to help these people to live law abiding lives and in this way protect society from further harm then we need to address the needs of the prisoners and start to support their rehabilitation, with the help of probation and other appropriate agencies. This needs resources but is much cheaper than paying for the policing, prosecution and sentencing for further crimes, not to mention the emotional cost to victims. I work within the criminal justice system (and yes I have also been the victim of crime) and ignorant people who spread thuggish counter-productive views really irritate me. Thank you stiv and the other rational people for bringing some intelligence to the debate.
In addition, there are a disproportionate number of former soldiers in the prison population.
.
The irony of that is that the types that spout vitriol about 'criminal scum' on here are the same ones that display "support our troops" stickers and think themselves as staunchly patriotic supporters of the armed forces.

J.P.M says...
6:43pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Vars1234 wrote:
Subject48 wrote:
Vars1234 have your house ever been burgled?

Do you know anyone close that had their head kicked in for no reason because the ocupant of our hiltons i mean prisons wanted to sho ho "ard" he was to his mates?

What you dont seem to get your head around is that certain individuals will rob and killy ou if you give them your last penny for the shirt on your back.

As much as I'm a firm believer in that fact that everyone should be given a chance, there comes a point where enough is enough.

You cant force someone to change no matter how much money and effort you throw at them.

As someone well pointed out, human rights should be aprivelage you give up the moment you CHOOSE to act against humanity.
subject48, yes, my family and I have been victims of armed robbery at gunpoint. I also work with murderers and other high risk offenders although the type of offender / prisoner that you speak of is thankfully very rare and certainly not representative of the average criminal... Where does your opinion come from and are you any kind of authority on the subject, or are you just regurgitating tabloid gumph??
Calm down girls - stop pulling each other's hair

Lockssmart says...
6:54pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M wrote:
Locksmart - I see from your IP address that you may not be innocent?
Never innocent. Always guilty

Vars1234 says...
7:16pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M are you normally so condescending?

Inform Al says...
7:22pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Vars1234 wrote:
J.P.M are you normally so condescending?
Bet we get a comment about Troll's now

J.P.M says...
7:32pm Wed 20 Mar 13

I laughed, as I thought the article explained why bigal and locksmart have got very similar views -
They co-habitate up in Winchester!!!

cantthinkofone says...
7:45pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Inform Al wrote:
Vars1234 wrote:
J.P.M are you normally so condescending?
Bet we get a comment about Troll's now
What's a now?

Lockssmart says...
7:51pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M wrote:
I laughed, as I thought the article explained why bigal and locksmart have got very similar views -
They co-habitate up in Winchester!!!
Nice try, but you'll have to try better than that you Troll. Also try going east, instead of north.

J.P.M says...
7:55pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Vars1234 wrote:
J.P.M are you normally so condescending?
Yup

I despair when I read your pathetic attempts at playground squabbling.

If I still lived in the UK, I would not walk the streets at night - or day - or in Totton or Eastleigh at all.

Inform Al says...
8:04pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M wrote:
Vars1234 wrote:
J.P.M are you normally so condescending?
Yup

I despair when I read your pathetic attempts at playground squabbling.

If I still lived in the UK, I would not walk the streets at night - or day - or in Totton or Eastleigh at all.
OMG, are you on the Isle of Wight then?

Vars1234 says...
8:23pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Inform Al wrote:
J.P.M wrote:
Vars1234 wrote:
J.P.M are you normally so condescending?
Yup

I despair when I read your pathetic attempts at playground squabbling.

If I still lived in the UK, I would not walk the streets at night - or day - or in Totton or Eastleigh at all.
OMG, are you on the Isle of Wight then?
That would explain the lack of anything interesting that J.P.M has to say, not to mention the made-up George Bush-like vocabulary ("habitate"???)

Vars1234 says...
8:24pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M wrote:
Vars1234 wrote:
J.P.M are you normally so condescending?
Yup

I despair when I read your pathetic attempts at playground squabbling.

If I still lived in the UK, I would not walk the streets at night - or day - or in Totton or Eastleigh at all.
I don't think your presence on the streets would be missed...

Lockssmart says...
8:37pm Wed 20 Mar 13

J.P.M. Is a Prison Troll

sparkster says...
8:37pm Wed 20 Mar 13

I agree that prisoners have basic rights but what about the victims of mugging or the families of people who have been murdered and what they have to go through, i agree if you dont do the crime you wont do the time

cantthinkofone says...
8:56pm Wed 20 Mar 13

sparkster wrote:
I agree that prisoners have basic rights but what about the victims of mugging or the families of people who have been murdered and what they have to go through, i agree if you dont do the crime you wont do the time
Treating prisoners so badly and allowing drugs to be freely available will create MORE victims.
.
I've posted three times now that releasing them back into society with an even more messed-up view of life, a more aggressive attitude, and a new drug habit does not help THE REST OF US.
.
The truth of this doesn't much suit the hang'em flog'em "hard men" on here though.
.
Eurgh. I've resorted to typing in CAPS. Shoot me now.

Lockssmart says...
10:08pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Slop-out at 06:00

Pikey-Biker says...
10:54pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Vars1234 wrote:
-stiv- wrote: I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners. If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures? Any rehabilitation? Any retraining? Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside? Mental heath care? They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not. No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again. I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .
I completely agree... The numbskulls who have spouted hatred (and by the way kiddynamite, wanting their faces smashed in every day makes you sound like a complete criminal thug yourself and no one suggested prison should be like the Hilton so please try to add something intelligent to the debate) clearly have no understanding of the very real issues that affect prisons and their populations. 16% of the prison population is severely mentally ill with many more suffering from other mental health issues. Most have been victimised in their own formative years through violence and abuse and a larger than average proportion were brought up in care. If we want to help these people to live law abiding lives and in this way protect society from further harm then we need to address the needs of the prisoners and start to support their rehabilitation, with the help of probation and other appropriate agencies. This needs resources but is much cheaper than paying for the policing, prosecution and sentencing for further crimes, not to mention the emotional cost to victims. I work within the criminal justice system (and yes I have also been the victim of crime) and ignorant people who spread thuggish counter-productive views really irritate me. Thank you stiv and the other rational people for bringing some intelligence to the debate.
Vars, you have obviously not heard of the forensic mental health system and prisons like Winchester have a mental health team within it

Inform Al says...
11:14pm Wed 20 Mar 13

****-Biker wrote:
Vars1234 wrote:
-stiv- wrote: I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners. If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures? Any rehabilitation? Any retraining? Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside? Mental heath care? They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not. No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again. I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .
I completely agree... The numbskulls who have spouted hatred (and by the way kiddynamite, wanting their faces smashed in every day makes you sound like a complete criminal thug yourself and no one suggested prison should be like the Hilton so please try to add something intelligent to the debate) clearly have no understanding of the very real issues that affect prisons and their populations. 16% of the prison population is severely mentally ill with many more suffering from other mental health issues. Most have been victimised in their own formative years through violence and abuse and a larger than average proportion were brought up in care. If we want to help these people to live law abiding lives and in this way protect society from further harm then we need to address the needs of the prisoners and start to support their rehabilitation, with the help of probation and other appropriate agencies. This needs resources but is much cheaper than paying for the policing, prosecution and sentencing for further crimes, not to mention the emotional cost to victims. I work within the criminal justice system (and yes I have also been the victim of crime) and ignorant people who spread thuggish counter-productive views really irritate me. Thank you stiv and the other rational people for bringing some intelligence to the debate.
Vars, you have obviously not heard of the forensic mental health system and prisons like Winchester have a mental health team within it
If the hospital mental health wards had not been so drastically cut there would be far fewer prisoners with mental health problems. The system sucks.

cantthinkofone says...
11:21pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Inform Al wrote:
****-Biker wrote:
Vars1234 wrote:
-stiv- wrote: I think it can say a lot about a nation when you look at how it treats it's prisoners. If their basic needs can't even be addressed, what hope could their ever be for their futures? Any rehabilitation? Any retraining? Are they being given any skills to help them get by outside? Mental heath care? They'd be no worse off in some dank dungeon if not. No, when they've served their time just let them out. Watch them get knocked around by the world that they obviously have never been equipped to handle. Then watch them get thrown back in again. I've never robbed a post office or killed anyone with a brick, but I never had to live in Millbrook .
I completely agree... The numbskulls who have spouted hatred (and by the way kiddynamite, wanting their faces smashed in every day makes you sound like a complete criminal thug yourself and no one suggested prison should be like the Hilton so please try to add something intelligent to the debate) clearly have no understanding of the very real issues that affect prisons and their populations. 16% of the prison population is severely mentally ill with many more suffering from other mental health issues. Most have been victimised in their own formative years through violence and abuse and a larger than average proportion were brought up in care. If we want to help these people to live law abiding lives and in this way protect society from further harm then we need to address the needs of the prisoners and start to support their rehabilitation, with the help of probation and other appropriate agencies. This needs resources but is much cheaper than paying for the policing, prosecution and sentencing for further crimes, not to mention the emotional cost to victims. I work within the criminal justice system (and yes I have also been the victim of crime) and ignorant people who spread thuggish counter-productive views really irritate me. Thank you stiv and the other rational people for bringing some intelligence to the debate.
Vars, you have obviously not heard of the forensic mental health system and prisons like Winchester have a mental health team within it
If the hospital mental health wards had not been so drastically cut there would be far fewer prisoners with mental health problems. The system sucks.
Indeed.
.
There was a former prison boss on BBC radio four last week who stated that ~75% of prisoners have mental health conditions, and about a third of the prison population should be in MH hospitals instead.
.
Treatment is more expensive than incarceration though...

Pikey-Biker says...
11:23pm Wed 20 Mar 13

As far as I am aware Al they have not cut any forensic mental health beds in this county, dont confuse these units for the beds lost at Woodhaven etc which are for adults who are acutely unwell

Inform Al says...
11:28pm Wed 20 Mar 13

****-Biker wrote:
As far as I am aware Al they have not cut any forensic mental health beds in this county, dont confuse these units for the beds lost at Woodhaven etc which are for adults who are acutely unwell
No it was the general situation I was refering to, too many people with mental health problems are left to get on with it without any help.

Lazy says...
2:14am Thu 21 Mar 13

I spent 3 weeks there years ago and heres what ive got to say about this story

"23 and a half hours" Wrong its actually 22 hours unless your a worker (cleaner,kitchen worker etc)
"shower on the landing not adapted" Um again wrong there is 1 shower room per "WING" not landing and from what i remember its more than adaptable for a disabled person !
"small window painted over" THIS CELL IS THE TOP CELL ON "A" WING CONNECTED TO "C" WING AND ITS THE PEDO CELL !! WINDOW IS PAINTED OVER TO THE CELL ON "C" WING CANT SEE THEM (THEY GET ALOT OF ABUSE BTW)
"no drug tests" ? er wrong, every prisioner in the first 5 days of arriving at winchester gets tested (there is a special room for this) and if you pass the test (like i did) then you get put in "D" wing (the good wing) and you get tested regular
"felt unsafe" yes ill agree with this....specialy in the "yard"
"insufficent activity" remember winchester is a remand center not for long term sentences, but yea apart from the library and a few "work" places (if your a good boy) then your stuffed
"the "screws" yup typical ex army/police bullies dont give a monkeys about prisioners

Oh and "romsey saint" - Say you goto town for a night out and some guy decides to punch you what do you do ? like any bloke your gonna hit him back right ? well lets say you do and the guy falls bad smashes his head and dies....you goto prision but hey does that say your a criminal because you didnt mean to did you ? that was a total example btw just like im going to say your most probably a complete moron...

Thats my five cents worth !!

cantthinkofone says...
8:27am Thu 21 Mar 13

Lazy wrote:
I spent 3 weeks there years ago and heres what ive got to say about this story

"23 and a half hours" Wrong its actually 22 hours unless your a worker (cleaner,kitchen worker etc)
"shower on the landing not adapted" Um again wrong there is 1 shower room per "WING" not landing and from what i remember its more than adaptable for a disabled person !
"small window painted over" THIS CELL IS THE TOP CELL ON "A" WING CONNECTED TO "C" WING AND ITS THE PEDO CELL !! WINDOW IS PAINTED OVER TO THE CELL ON "C" WING CANT SEE THEM (THEY GET ALOT OF ABUSE BTW)
"no drug tests" ? er wrong, every prisioner in the first 5 days of arriving at winchester gets tested (there is a special room for this) and if you pass the test (like i did) then you get put in "D" wing (the good wing) and you get tested regular
"felt unsafe" yes ill agree with this....specialy in the "yard"
"insufficent activity" remember winchester is a remand center not for long term sentences, but yea apart from the library and a few "work" places (if your a good boy) then your stuffed
"the "screws" yup typical ex army/police bullies dont give a monkeys about prisioners

Oh and "romsey saint" - Say you goto town for a night out and some guy decides to punch you what do you do ? like any bloke your gonna hit him back right ? well lets say you do and the guy falls bad smashes his head and dies....you goto prision but hey does that say your a criminal because you didnt mean to did you ? that was a total example btw just like im going to say your most probably a complete moron...

Thats my five cents worth !!
Small correction to that Lazy:
.
"remember winchester is a remand center not for long term sentences".
.
Winchester HAS a remand centre, but it's also a Cat B prison and has long-term prisoners as well, housed seperately.
.
I guess three weeks is a short time so you may not have realised this. I know someone who's spent considerably longer on remand there, so I've got to know about the place fairly well.
.
One of the ironies of the system is that in terms of activities etc remand prisoners ('innocent until proven guilty' remember) get treated *worse* than the convicted ones.

MiddleOfRoad says...
10:10am Thu 21 Mar 13

I am not a do-gooder by any means. However, we have to maintain a reasonable standard of accommodation, care and programming in our prisons. Without the basics we are just creating on-going dramas with inmates and staff and for society when we release crims who are even more tarnished than before.
Lets be frank - some of the issues will be resources including funds but there will also be a significant staff cultural problem which will build on and exacerbate the resourcing problems.
I suspect the prison boss is encountering the myriad of problems and equally a myriad of demands from staff, unions, prisoners, do-gooders, politicians, senior external prison administrators - all demanding one thing or another while none will assume any responsibility for the mess.
Bottom line as western countries we have an obligation to provide humane safe, well disciplined, controlled and secure prisons. No-one is suggesting that prisons can be marvellous places of rehabilitation - that's just feel good garbage trotted out by delusional people but we must nonetheless have humane conditions.
Always use the litmus test - how would you feel if your son, brother or close relative was being housed in such a shitheap?

Inform Al says...
10:34am Thu 21 Mar 13

MiddleOfRoad wrote:
I am not a do-gooder by any means. However, we have to maintain a reasonable standard of accommodation, care and programming in our prisons. Without the basics we are just creating on-going dramas with inmates and staff and for society when we release crims who are even more tarnished than before.
Lets be frank - some of the issues will be resources including funds but there will also be a significant staff cultural problem which will build on and exacerbate the resourcing problems.
I suspect the prison boss is encountering the myriad of problems and equally a myriad of demands from staff, unions, prisoners, do-gooders, politicians, senior external prison administrators - all demanding one thing or another while none will assume any responsibility for the mess.
Bottom line as western countries we have an obligation to provide humane safe, well disciplined, controlled and secure prisons. No-one is suggesting that prisons can be marvellous places of rehabilitation - that's just feel good garbage trotted out by delusional people but we must nonetheless have humane conditions.
Always use the litmus test - how would you feel if your son, brother or close relative was being housed in such a shitheap?
My litmus test is to compare conditions with those of the council's supported housing schemes. Think I'll stay put until I actually need 24/7 care.

bigal007 says...
6:40pm Thu 21 Mar 13

J.P.M wrote:
I laughed, as I thought the article explained why bigal and locksmart have got very similar views -
They co-habitate up in Winchester!!!
lol num nuts i worked there a few years ago

Pikey-Biker says...
1:05pm Tue 9 Apr 13

Inform Al wrote:
****-Biker wrote: As far as I am aware Al they have not cut any forensic mental health beds in this county, dont confuse these units for the beds lost at Woodhaven etc which are for adults who are acutely unwell
No it was the general situation I was refering to, too many people with mental health problems are left to get on with it without any help.
disagree, there is help if you need it AND are willing to work with them
Victoria Nye being a case in point

Inform Al says...
1:10pm Tue 9 Apr 13

****-Biker wrote:
Inform Al wrote:
****-Biker wrote: As far as I am aware Al they have not cut any forensic mental health beds in this county, dont confuse these units for the beds lost at Woodhaven etc which are for adults who are acutely unwell
No it was the general situation I was refering to, too many people with mental health problems are left to get on with it without any help.
disagree, there is help if you need it AND are willing to work with them
Victoria Nye being a case in point
And of course ABLE to work with them.

Pikey-Biker says...
8:42pm Tue 9 Apr 13

most staff can adapt

Inform Al says...
9:41pm Tue 9 Apr 13

****-Biker wrote:
most staff can adapt
Those that need the help, can they make their way to prearranged appointments without failing, can they be trusted to take their medication when needed. I am aware that some follow up is there to help with this, but nowhere near enough. There is a desperate shortage of the accommodation required by some to be helped to get their lives straight

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