Inspectors Find Drugs, Violence Persist at HMP Manchester

HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways, continues to face severe challenges despite some improvements, according to a damning inspection report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor. The report highlights that drones are bringing in large quantities of drugs through broken or insecure windows, which have gone unfixed for two years due to bureaucratic planning processes.

The prison remains in a 'precarious state,' with about 38% of inmates testing positive for drug use and high levels of violence. Taylor noted that while the governor and his team have restored an element of stability, the situation is fragile. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has acknowledged the issues and stated it is taking urgent action to stop drones, upgrade security, and tackle the flow of drugs.

The report also found that 40% of prisoners are unemployed and locked up in their cells for long periods. Taylor emphasized the need for more determined action from HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to improve physical security and provide meaningful activities for inmates. Enver Solomon, chief executive of social justice charity Nacro, described the report as a 'damning indictment' of the prison system in crisis.

The BBC understands that since the report, the prison has developed a new education, skills, and work program. All staff now receive suicide and self-harm prevention and mental health awareness training to better support prisoners in distress. However, Taylor warned that without more determined action from HMPPS, drugs will continue to undermine efforts to improve the situation.