Prison staff mental health
Thousands of prison staff have been referred for mental health-related assessments in the past year-and-a-half – almost one in eight (12%) of the total number in the role. (https://bylinetimes.com/), 2019)
Under Freedom of Information, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has revealed that, since October 2017 to present, mental health-related referrals have been made for 2,760 prison staff, out of a total 22,722 who are currently in post, according to the latest available statistics.
The figures are revealed at a time when continued staff shortages and rising violence, self-harm and drug use in our prisons demand a frank and urgent assessment of the effects of such an environment on the mental health of prisoners, as well as those working inside jails – an issue not often put under the spotlight.
“Prison staff are working in a challenging environment and often bearing witness to traumatising events and experiences,” he said. “It is vital that prison services support the mental health of the people who work in them as well as of prisoners in order to create a safe and therapeutic environment for all.” Andy Bell (chief executive at the Centre for Mental Health)
“Prison officers are working in a hostile environment”.
Steve Gillan, Prison Officers Association
There were 10,311 assaults on staff in the 12 months to March 2019, up 15% from the previous year, and a record high figure. In the latest quarter the number of assaults on staff increased by 4% to 2,525 incident
In the 12 months to March 2019, there were 3,949 serious assault incidents, up 1% from the previous year. Serious prisoner-on prisoner assaults decreased by 2% to 3,017 In the 12 months to March 2019, whereas serious assaults on staff increased by 12% to 1,002