Watchdog finds a Suffolk prison is failing to prepare inmates for their release from prison
Inspectors also said more needs to be done to stop prisoners getting hold of drugs
A Suffolk prison's failing to prepare inmates for their release from prison - according to a new watchdog report.
The Inspectorate of Prisons says © , which is near Haverhill, also needs to do more to stop prisoners getting hold of drugs.
It's after they visited the prison, which is home to around 1300 men, most of whom have been convicted of violent or drug-related offences, back in October 2023.
Overall, the watchdog determined that HMP Highpoint was:
• reasonably good for safety
• good for respect
• poor for purposeful activity
• not sufficiently good for preparation for release.
However, prisoners were found to be well treated and safe, and the prison itself was said to be clean.
What did the Chief Inspector of Prisons say?
Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons said:
"We found a competent, well-led establishment that was orderly and safe. Much of this was predicated on stable and settled leadership that was both visible and approachable.
"It was clear that leaders had prioritised the maintenance of standards and getting the basics right, and that this had had a positive influence on staff, most of whom appeared capable and committed, despite some inexperience.
"Staff-prisoner relationships were a strength and... the prison was well maintained."
He also detailed inspectors' concerns: "Drug supply and demand remained a problem, and the prison had identified a link to incidents of violence and coercion.
"It needed to develop a more coherent and robust approach to tackling this problem.
"A considerable number of men were self-isolating out of fear for their safety and needed more support.
"Our biggest concern, however, was that the prison was not fulfilling its core purpose. Prisoners spent much more time out of cell than at comparable jails, but not enough were attending purposeful activity or receiving adequate education or training."
What did the Ministry of Justice say?
A Prison Service spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice said: "We are pleased inspectors recognised the efforts of our hardworking staff and leadership at HMP Highpoint and found the prison to be orderly and safe.
"We are working closely with the education provider to improve learning and training opportunities so prisoners are able to get the skills and qualifications they need to turn their lives around."