Rising number of prisoners, report shows

The number of people in prison in Jersey is continuing to rise, according to a new report.

The States of Jersey Prison Service annual report said there had been 348 prisoners held at La Moye in 2025, 11 more than in the previous year.

The service recorded an average daily occupancy of 175 prisoners last year, up from 155 in 2024 and 138 in 2023.

The report noted the prison had experienced "intense population pressures" in 2025, which had resulted in the unit that houses vulnerable prisoners having exceeded its 60-prisoner capacity for a week in September.

The Journeaux Wing underwent a temporary expansion in 2024 to increase the accommodation capacity for vulnerable prisoners from 59 to 63.

Despite this the 2025 average daily occupancy rate was 60 prisoners per day, up from 53 prisoners per day in 2024 and 49 in 2023.

Governor Paul Yates said: "The year was marked by sustained population pressures, increasing complexity of prisoner need and continued demand on infrastructure."

He said breaches of prison rules had decreased significantly, which he attributed to positive staff-prisoner relationships.

"There have been no serious incidents or dangerous events in 2025, despite the unusual challenge of managing a prison which holds men, women and young people across all security categories," he added.

"Notably, there were no escapes, attempted escapes or releases in error during the year, reflecting the vigilance of staff and the robustness of operational controls."

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