Understand
Drone drug drops present serious challenge at HMP Highpoint, inspection report warns
Overview
A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons has revealed that HMP Highpoint in Suffolk faces serious challenges regarding a thriving drugs market, increasing violence, and a lack of purposeful activity. Inspectors highlighted that drones delivering drugs to the open site are a major issue, with random drug tests showing a 28% positive rate. While the prison was praised for being generally well-run and clean, leadership has been urged to develop a comprehensive drug reduction strategy and improve prison security against drones.
Key points
- A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons highlighted a thriving drugs market at HMP Highpoint, with random drug tests showing a 28% positive rate.
- Inspectors stated that the prison service has failed to protect the large, open site from drones delivering packages of illegal substances.
- The rate of serious assaults at the category C men's prison rose by 43%, following an attack in January that resulted in the death of an inmate.
- The prison was rated 'poor' for providing meaningful work or purposeful activity, with workshops and classrooms frequently closed due to staff shortages.
- Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor called on the prison service to reduce the jail's vulnerability to drones and develop a robust supply and demand drugs strategy.