HMP Durham

What we found

There had been no improvement in time out of cell since our last inspection in May 2024 and safety and health screenings for new arrivals remained insufficient. Despite recent efforts to disrupt supply and improve security, drug use, and the violence that accompanied it, had increased and prisoners felt unsafe. Continuing changes in leadership posts were hampering progress.

Points to note: Leaders were focused on providing decent living conditions, completing housing referrals, and escalating concerns for prisoners needing mental health spaces. The early intervention of the recall duty officer to identify housing needs was a positive initiative.