Inspectors find overcrowding and thriving drugs market at HMP Durham

The 985 prisoners housed at HMP Durham are living in overcrowded conditions and have to choose between having a shower or getting fresh air according to the new report by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

Inspectors visited the prison unannounced in early May and published findings today (August 19), revealing the prison's growing drug market, ageing facilities and apparent lack of support for prisoners.

HMP Durham.

An overview reads: "A new governor and deputy brought some much-needed stability to this ageing, overcrowded reception prison, but most prisoners spent 22 or more hours a day locked in their cells forcing them to choose between having a shower, collecting medication, using the kiosk, or getting fresh air.

"There was a thriving illicit drugs market, which was linked to the increasing violence. The physical fabric of the prison needed attention, with many cells and communal areas dilapidated."

The yard at HMP Durham. (Image: HMP INSPECTORATE OF PRISONS)

Inspectors say the prison is not sufficiently good for both safety and respect and poor for purposeful activity and gave 34 recommendations to improve operations - 14 of which were in "areas of key concern".

A pillow at HMP Durham. (Image: HMP INSPECTORATE OF PRISONS)

The watchdog also found officer's use of PAVA spray (similar to pepper spray) was the highest of any reception prison in the country - even when other options were available.

Pictures included in the report show cells inside the prison designed to house two people with graffiti across the walls as well as a damaged pillow which was being used by inmates.

A two person cell at HMP Durham. (Image: HMP INSPECTORATE OF PRISONS)

Another picture shows the exercise yard, described as "austere" as well as an unlockable cabinet and a bathroom in a "cramped" shared cell in one of the wings.

Part of the inspection also included surveys, which revealed that 47% of prisoners thought they were "never" given enough food to eat.

Upon their arrival, a greater number of prisoners (86%) said they were offered nicotine replacements (including vapes) in comparison to food, a shower or the chance to talk to someone.

Inside HMP Durham. (Image: HMP INSPECTORATE OF PRISONS)

A similar survey was conducted with staff - with the majority stating they do not clearly understand the priorities of the prison but still somewhat agree with them.

Six members of staff admitted that previous concerns they had raised regarding the prison were not taken seriously, and 47 staff members say they have witnessed colleagues "behaving inappropriately" towards each other.

Recommendations for improvement by the watchdog include letting prisoners have more time outside their cells and have the chance to learn new skills, cells having more space and more to be done about the use of drugs and banned items.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor wrote: "The most worrying aspect of this inspection was the limited regime; it was barely less restricted than at our last visit which came soon after the pandemic.

"Despite having a full complement of officers and a welcome reduction in sickness levels, most prisoners were spending 22 or more hours a day behind their doors.

"This meant they did not have enough time even to complete the most basic tasks and they often had to choose between using the electronic kiosk, having a shower, collecting medication or getting fresh air.

"In a jail in which prisoners spent so long locked in their cell, it was not surprising that there was a thriving illicit drugs market which was linked to an increase in violence since our last inspection."

They added: "However, after a difficult 18 months, there is cause for cautious optimism at Durham. The governor had worked hard to improve his leadership team and had plans to develop his custody managers.

"With a renewed focus on the priorities to improve reception processes and provide more meaningful activity for prisoners, the jail can build on its strengths and continue to improve, despite the challenges that come from national population pressures."

The watchdog's reports of overcrowding at the prison comes as Durham Constabulary's new hub, at Thinford is set to open later this year which will house the county’s only bespoke custody suite alongside forensic and investigative facilities.

The decision to close the regional suites came in 2021 after government inspectors highlighted “the poor physical conditions” in some sites.

Reacting to the findings, Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy has said the report is "a cause for concern" and confirmed she will be meeting leaders in the near future.

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She said: “While this report is a cause for concern, it's yet another example of how the previous Government completely neglected the prison system.

“It's hard to see how a prison housing nearly 1,000 inmates, yet with a capacity just over 500, can possibly meet the needs of all the inmates in their care. It is obviously vital that the well-being of inmates is one of the key priorities of the prison, but it's also crucial that the safety and welfare of prison officers is prioritised.

“While I note that Inspector has highlighted that there is cause for optimism with the new management team in place at Durham Prison, I'll be looking to meet with the Governor and his team as soon as possible, and will be catching up with the Prison Officers Association later this week.”