Inspection at Doncaster jail uncovers drug problems and overcrowding
A snap, unnannounced inspection at a Doncaster jail has uncovered a number of problems – including drugs, overcrowding – and a lack of care for inmates who self-harm.
Inspectors from HM Inspectorate of Prisons visited HMP Doncaster in Marshgate – and also praised “committed leadership and dedicated staff” which it said were “driving progress."
But the report also said: “Nonetheless, the prison has problems to address including overcrowding, a lack of care for prisoners who might self-harm, insufficient places in education, skills and work, and inadequate oversight of some areas of health care.
"The number of prisoners without somewhere to live when released was also a concern.”
It also said that the use of drugs by inmates was an issue, but added: “Among the many laudable initiatives at the prison were the appointment of a former drug user as the drug and alcohol specialist to strengthen demand reduction, and a range of opportunities to help fathers bond with their children.”
The inspection, which took place in September, has just delivered the report which said: “We wanted to find out if things were better, the same or worse for prisoners since we last visited in 2022.”
Asking prisoners and staff to fill in a questionnaire and speaking to prisoners, staff and helpers, inspectors rated the jail 3 out of 4 for safety, adding: “The prison is doing some good work to stop prisoners taking drugs.
“Prisoners who have mental illness or complex needs get good care in a separate unit but there is not enough support for prisoners who might harm themselves.”
Scored three out of four for respect, the report said: “Prisoners mostly thought staff were helpful. The prison was mostly clean, but lots of prisoners had to share small cells and some health care was not very safe or private.”
It said that not enough prisoners were able to go to education, work or training and the library was described as “not very good.”
It also stated that prisoners got very good help to keep in touch with their families and children but that too many prisoners left the jail without somewhere safe to live.
Managed and operated by the private company, Serco, HMP Doncaster is a category B prison, accommodating both young adults and men.
It said the prison has continued to face significant operational challenges, including persistent overcrowding and a high turnover of prisoners, with over 5,500 admissions in the past year and about 200 releases each month.
It added: “Nonetheless, it had demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with leaders and staff working hard to maintain and deliver a well-ordered and reasonably respectful institution.
“Respect for prisoners’ dignity was evident. Living conditions had improved, with cleaner cells and communal areas, and the introduction of in-cell technology had given prisoners greater control over their daily lives.
It added: “While there were persistent weaknesses, particularly in purposeful activity, the overall direction was positive. The prison is well placed to build on its successes and address the priority concerns identified in this report.”
A Serco spokesperson said: “Inspectors praised our progress in several areas, reflecting Doncaster’s rating as the best prison of its type in the estate.
“We were pleased to see that inspectors were impressed by our safer custody centre for vulnerable prisoners, preparation for release and the outstanding opportunities available for fathers to connect with their children.
“We are immensely proud of Doncaster prison and will continue to make improvements and address key priorities.”