Jail with drug issues needs to do more, says report

A prison with high levels of drug use and self-harm is improving but needs to do more, according to a new report.

During a visit to HMP Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in February, HM Inspectorate of Prisons noted multiple areas of concern for safeguarding and support of prisoners prior to release.

The report criticised a lack of investment in security which it said "hindered" efforts to tackle drug supply.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) said: "We have taken urgent action to strengthen security and improve mental health support."

It was noted that a quarter of inmates tested positive in random drug tests over the past year.

The report also highlighted there had been two drug-related deaths since the last inspection in 2022.

It said there were "some weak procedural processes, damaged equipment and less consistent use of the body scanner for new arrivals" than normal.

However, the inspectorate said: "Although high rates of drug use were still undermining the stability of the prison, work to support those under the influence of illicit substances was good."

It also highlighted that staff were "driving improvements".

"Levels of self‑harm had increased by 29% since the previous inspection, and rates over the past 12 months were higher than in many similar prisons," the inspectorate said.

It added that "serious" self-harm incidents were "not routinely investigated".

Inspectors also highlighted prisoners were not getting a broad enough curriculum of education and that they did not get the help needed to progress and prepare for release.

However, overall the prison was "much safer" than at the previous inspection and the report described Aylesbury as an "improving prison" with committed staff and leaders.

The HMPPS spokesperson added: "Inspectors recognised the positive impact strong leadership has had, particularly on reducing violence, but the prison is still operating under immense pressure."

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