The use of force against inmates has doubled over the past decade, amid continuing concern over high levels of violence and disorder in prisons. According to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, force was used 59.1 times per 100 inmates in the year from April 2019. The last such figures, published in 2011-12, showed force used about 27 times per 100 prisoners. Experts said the findings reflected the disorder inside a UK prison system described as in “deep crisis” last year by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, part of the Council of Europe. Visits have been curtailed, inmates have spent far more time in cells, and group activities have been reduced.

Source: The Guardian January 03, 2021 09:11 UTC