About 40 of the 496 prisoners were involved in the riot An open prison where buildings were burnt to the ground during a riot has been criticised by prison inspectors.
Specialist guards in body armour were used to quell the violence involving about 40 inmates at Ford Prison, near Arundel, West Sussex on New Year’s Day.
Inspectors, who visited a month before the riot, had “serious concerns” about the prison, which they said was failing to prepare inmates for life outside.
They also said poor relations between staff and inmates undermined security.
In their report they said more than 40% of prisoners told them it was easy to obtain drugs, and staff shortages meant random drugs tests could not be carried out within the right timescales.
Alcohol smuggling, which had been highlighted following a previous visit, remained a problem and breath testing was “unsophisticated”.
The riot, which lasted about 22 hours, is believed to have started after prison staff tried to breathalyse some inmates.
Inspectors said that despite their concerns, the jail was safe for most prisoners and said that care for those at risk of suicide or self-harm was good.
Their report said security had been improved, with fewer inmates absconding, and healthcare was also good.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said: “Open prisons have a crucial role in preparing low-risk, particularly long-term, prisoners for life back in the community.
“Most open prisons perform this role effectively.
“Unfortunately, this was not the case at Ford. Instead, poor relationships were undermining the development of a strong, positive culture essential to responsible living and dynamic security.
“Ford’s resettlement and offender management are critical weaknesses for a prison that should be focused squarely on preparing prisoners for a return to the community.
“There have been some recent improvements but this time there must be sustained progress supported at every level.”
Specialist prisoner officers escorted firefighters into the jail Michael Spurr, chief executive officer of the National Offender Management Service, said: “I am grateful to the chief inspector for this report which reflects both the strengths and weaknesses at Ford.
“We have put additional support in place to strengthen the management of the prison and we will use the recommendations in the report to improve the performance of the establishment.
“I am pleased the good work done by the prison, on safety, suicide and self-harm, healthcare and improved security with fewer absconds, has been acknowledged.”
HMP Ford accepts category D offenders who have less than two years left to serve.
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