Watchdog Calls For Urgent Repairs & Action To Tackle Contraband At HMP Gartree

A watchdog has raised concerns about the continued influx of drugs and illicit items into Gartree prison as well as its ageing infrastructure.

The Independent Monitoring Board says drones are increasingly being used to smuggle contraband over the prison walls, with the seeming inability of the Prison Service to identify and restrict such activity.

Tim Norman is the Chair of the IMB at Gartree:

HMP Gartree

The IMB say the jail, with is nearly 60 years old and home to over 570 male prisoners, is in urgent need of repairs and highlights a problem with the heating system.

Mr Norman says there are a number of issues needing urgent attention:

The IMB’s annual report has been published today and also details a nearly 50%  increase in ‘use of force’ by prison officers in the past year, with 326 incidents recorded.

It does however says relationships between staff and prisoners were observed to be mostly positive and prisoners generally reported feeling safe.

The Prison Service says legislation introduced last year makes it an automatic offence to fly drones within 400 metres of any closed prison or young offender institution in England and Wales.

Drone operators that break the rules could face fines of up to £2,500 while those found smuggling illicit items will face up to 10 years in prison.

It also says any use of force is subject to robust scrutiny to ensure appropriate and proportionate use.

A spokesperson added: “We are pleased the report recognises the effective leadership of the governor and their team at the prison.

“The majority of the heating issues have been resolved at HMP Gartree, while further repairs are ongoing.”