A TRAINING and resettlement prison in Suffolk has been criticised by inspectors for failing inmates due to staff shortages.
HMP Highpoint, which holds 1,300 prisoners, comprises two prisons whose “core purpose” is to prepare men for return to the community, including training in skills for work.
But HM Prisons Inspectorate found that prison staff shortages meant well-resourced training facilities for motor mechanics, plumbing, catering, digital skills and barbering were unused.
Inspectorate chief Charlie Taylor said: “More than a third of adults released from prison are known to reoffend within a year.
“With rising prison populations, and people serving longer sentences, it is essential that we address this.
“That can only happen if prisons fundamentally refocus to become places of rehabilitation, education and training that equip people to move on from offending and take their place in society.”
He said Highpoint also had drug problems, adding: “With such a large rural campus covering two prisons, keeping drugs out was challenging and the demand was fuelled by the lack of activity.
Mr Taylor said that some prisoners also self-isolated for fear of their safety.
Andrea Coomber, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Highpoint is supposed to be a training prison, but in reality too few men are getting the opportunity to learn skills and engage in activities that will help them to move on from crime.
“This is the latest in a long line of inspection reports that reveal what happens when a beleaguered public service is asked to do too much with too little for too long.
“Jailing is failing, and the solution starts with sensible action to reduce the prison population.”
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are pleased inspectors recognised the efforts of our hardworking staff and leadership at HMP Highpoint and found the prison to be orderly and safe.
“We are working closely with the education provider to improve learning and training opportunities so prisoners are able to get the skills and qualifications they need to turn their lives around.”
