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Fragile progress but rising rates of violence continuing to cause concern at Bedford jail

Published:

Inspectors returning to HMP Bedford found tentative progress, following a shocking inspection in 2023 which led the Chief Inspector to invoke the Urgent Notification protocol for the second time at the prison. However, they warned there was still much more to do to break its long cycle of poor inspection reports.

Senior leaders were now more visible around the prison, which was starting to drive up standards, and a proactive safety team were working hard to understand and tackle the root causes of violence. Despite this, violence between the men had continued to rise in the six months before our visit, and the overall rates remained among the highest of all adult male prisons. Illicit drugs, limited time out of cell, frustrations about not being able to get things done, and a lack of challenge from staff about poor behaviour were all contributing to a continued lack of safety.

Some accommodation in the overcrowded Victorian prison, including the segregation unit which inspectors described as a ‘disgrace’ in the last report, had improved, but cockroaches remained a problem, communal areas needed a deep clean, and many windows were still in disrepair.

The governor had prioritised work on equality and fair treatment, and problems inspectors identified with racism at the inspection were being tackled by two impressive diversity and inclusion managers. Self-harm had reduced and support for prisoners with poor mental health was improving.

It was clear that the new governor and deputy governor were taking the concerns raised at the last inspection seriously, but they acknowledged there was still much to do. Progress was fragile and they will require extensive ongoing support from HMPPS to make the sustainable improvements the prison needs.
Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

Notes to editors

  1. A copy of the full report, published on 22 October 2024, can be found here.
  2. This independent review of progress (IRP) took place between 16 and 18 September 2024.
  3. HMP Bedford is a category B Victorian local prison with a reception and resettlement function. It accommodates young adult and adult men.
  4. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
  5. Please email media@hmiprisons.gov.uk if you would like more information.