PRT comment: the experiences of adult black male prisoners and black prison staff

Commenting on the publication today of HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ thematic report on the experiences of adult black male prisoners and black prison staff, Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust said:

“If ministers only read one report about prisons, let it be this one. It is a compelling description of how racial discrimination may have changed in character, but not gone away. Anyone familiar with our prisons will recognise it as presenting a deeply truthful account. In doing so, it illuminates a structural failure to build the relationships between staff and prisoners on which an effective prison system depends.

“Thanks to the insight of both prisoners and staff, the report also describes very practical ways to bridge the gulfs in understanding that it describes. Those solutions utterly depend on being given the time and attention to implement them, and there are glimpses of good practice from which to learn. The benefits of doing so could be transformational.”