'Serious concerns' about drug use in 'super prison'

HMP Five Wells opened in February 2022

A report into a privately-run "super prison" said drugs "appear to be routinely available".

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said Five Wells Prison, in Northamptonshire, was struggling to stop illicit items being brought or thrown into the grounds.

The Board also said incidents in which staff have to use force are poorly managed.

G4S, which runs the prison, said it was "really proud of the development of our staff and the work they have done to build a consistent regime".

HMP Five Wells was opened just outside Wellingborough in February 2022 and had 1,715 inmates in March 2024.

The prisoners are known as "residents", the cells are called "rooms" and there are no bars on the windows.

The IMB, a statutory body made up of members of the community, can access the prison and talk to inmates to check if they are being treated properly.

The prison had 1,715 inmates in March 2024

In its latest report, covering the year to March 2024, the board said it continued to be "seriously concerned about the number and range of illicit items found in the prison.

"Drugs appear to be routinely available [and] random drug tests have consistently resulted in a positive rate of at least 25%," it said.

It added that efforts to stop illicit items entering the prison, including by being thrown over the wall, "appear to have had modest or temporary success".

Secret recording at another prison shows illicit items being thrown over the wall

The IMB said incidents involving the use of force had increased gradually as the prison population rose.

Reviews of incidents had "repeatedly shown instances of weak situation management" including failing to switch body-worn cameras on.

Self-harm episodes had increased during the year, exceeding 100 per month.

The IMB felt accommodation at the jail was "good", with most inmates having single cells with showers.

The board also said prisoners were well looked after when they first arrived, and there was "consistent and effective" use of the segregation unit.

Facilities at HMP Five Wells include a barbers' salon

G4S said: “We are really proud of the development of our staff and the work they have done to build a consistent regime.

“We have implemented robust governance arrangements around use of force, including a committee which examines every incident and shares learnings with staff.

“Combatting the ingress and use of drugs remains a challenge. We have built strong relationships with the local police and work closely with them to deal with anyone who seeks to break the law."