To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to tackle high levels of violence at HMP Bedford, following the Report on an independent review of progress at HMP Bedford, published on 22 October.
Answered on
11 November 2024
In response to the recent report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, HMP Bedford has a new strategic plan focusing on measures to manage violence, including providing consistent keywork sessions; mandatory drug testing; staff training, including enhanced training in Challenge Support Intervention Plan processes and procedures; improving staff-prisoner relationships; improving debt-management processes; and providing a more purposeful and constructive regime, with more time out of cell.
The establishment has also introduced wing-safety surgeries (identified as positive practice by HM Chief Inspector), which provide a regular opportunity for prisoners to discuss concerns with the safety team. A new strategic lead has been put in place who will be supported by an experienced operational member of residential staff.
A hot-spot strategy (also identified as positive practice) is being utilised to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the issues and times when incidents occur, to help eliminate potential escalation points.
The national safety team has established a safety summit, involving focus groups and forums of staff and prisoners, so as better to understand the reasons violence occurs. The prison is also running regular wing-council meetings, with violence as a standing agenda item for discussion with the prisoners. In addition, an operational officer has been appointed as a floor-walker to support and coach staff in managing violent incidents.