PRT comment: Safety in custody statistics

Responding to the publication of the Ministry of Justice’s Safety in Custody Statistics today, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“These shocking figures underline the very human consequences of the severe pressures the prison system is under. Yesterday’s budget and the promise of increased resources may bring some relief, but this must now be accompanied by a sustained effort to reduce demand on the system over the longer term to provide it with the vital breathing space to recover.

“The record levels of self-harm also highlight the pressing and urgent need to address the severe and unmet levels of mental health need in prison.”