Shocking Bedford Prison Report Underlines Government's 'Total Failure' to Heed Warnings
Commenting on the shocking official inspection report into HMP Bedford published this week, Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed the Govenrment's 'total failure' to get a grip of the prision and improve safety and conditions
In comments made on his Facebook page, Mayor Dave said: "Today's Bedford Prison inspection report stands as a monument to the government's total failure to get a grip of the prison and the deteriorating conditions there over a number of years.
They have had repeated warnings, not least in the form of the riots and unrest that have taken place, and yet they've failed to bring it under control and improve safety and conditions.
To pick out just a tiny fraction of the circumstnaces highlighted in the report:
• A fifth of prisoners said they developed a drug problem WHILE IN HMP Bedford.
• Self-harm had increased substantially and there had been five self-inflicted deaths since the previous inspection in 2016.
• One vulnerable prisoner, an amputee, was only able to shower five times in 2018.
• They found ineffective sanctions for violent prisoners, drug-fuelled debt and violence.
• A 'significant' rat infestation
And there is so much more besides. It's a scandal, quite frankly.
The Government issue warm words every time about how they are taking action, but the new governor must be given all the resources, support and oversight needed to raise standards and safety in this facility in the heart of Bedford"
Mayor Dave's comments were made as he shared the Bedford Independent's report on the story, which you can read here.