The State of Prisons: Reform or Continue to Break?

"As far as I’m concerned, there’s only three ways to spend the taxpayers’ hard-earned when it comes to prisons: more walls, more bars, and more guards." This sentiment encapsulates a prevalent mindset many hold toward the prison system. Yet, as the public grapples with pressing issues such as hospitals and schools—often touted on election leaflets—the subject of prisons remains low on the political agenda, despite looming crises within the system.

The Breaking Point

While phrases like "the system is at breaking point" are often used, it feels disingenuous when they aren’t backed up. However, in the case of prisons today, this assertion holds weight. Overcrowding, inadequate resources, and a lack of effective rehabilitation programs indicate that without intervention, the prison system in many parts is indeed heading for collapse.

Inside Preston Prison

I had the opportunity to visit Preston Prison—a Category B men’s prison that has stood since 1790—just as discussions about sentencing reform were heating up. Currently, the facility is facing an alarming overcrowding issue, sitting at 156% of its intended capacity, according to the Howard League.

One inmate I spoke with, serving time for burglary, was sharing a cell with his son, marking his first time behind bars. For this father, the cyclical nature of incarceration spanned over 30 years, a reality that not only affects him but now drags his child into this grim legacy.

Sophie, a dedicated prison officer, expressed the sorrow she feels watching young men—18, 19 years old—enter prison for the first time. They are often shell-shocked and struggling with mental health issues. The distressing pattern of seeing familiar faces re-enter the prison system years later highlights a tragic failure within the current approach to incarceration.

The Cost of Reoffending

The statistics surrounding reoffending are staggering. The system appears to have become a revolving door, where the same individuals return again and again. The upcoming Sentencing Review is expected to advocate for fewer individuals in jail, leaning towards non-custodial sentences that are more cost-effective and potentially more rehabilitative.

The financial implications are staggering: reoffending costs the UK £18 billion annually, while each prison place costs about £60,000 per year. In stark contrast, community sentences are approximately £4,500 per person. It’s clear that reform isn’t merely a moral obligation, but also a financial necessity.

A Candid Look Inside

While I have visited various prisons in my career, my visit to Preston felt different. In previous instances, I encountered a controlled environment designed for media presentation, juxtaposed with carefully curated narratives of rehabilitation. However, during my time at Preston, the reality was raw and unfiltered.

Despite being run by a compassionate governor and staffed with dedicated individuals, the pressures on staff are palpable. High turnover rates mean that many officers are inexperienced, which compounds the difficulties faced daily. The atmosphere isn’t just challenging; it’s tense. Staff and inmates alike are seeking something more: understanding, compassion, and real opportunities for change.

The Human Factor

One striking aspect of my visit was the officers’ desire to share their experiences. They were not trying to highlight failures; instead, they aimed to showcase the hard work and commitment that goes into running a prison daily. Yet, this acknowledgment of effort often came with an underlying frustration about inadequate resources.

While it’s commendable that staff are willing to stretch themselves thin to maintain some semblance of order, it raises a crucial question: What happens when those efforts collapse under the strain? The system is robust until it isn’t, and if the current environment persists, it may begin to deteriorate in ways that affect everyone involved.

There’s a urgent call for voices from inside the system to be heard, painting an honest picture of the realities facing prisons today. The hope is that meaningful reform will find its way into public discourse, not just as a cost-saving measure but as a genuine effort to address the pressing issues at hand.

The Importance of Reform

As discussions around prison reform advance, it’s essential to recognize the myriad factors contributing to the current crisis. The conversations are no longer just about how many walls and bars there are but focus on the human cost and societal impact of a broken system. Those in power must approach reforms not only as a cost-saving mechanism but as a necessary overhaul for a fundamentally flawed system.

The urgency of reform in the prison system cannot be overstated. It’s become clear: something must change, and it must change now.