Your leader on drugs in prisons (16 April) is right about the scale of the crisis, but wrong to suggest the chief inspector has only recently found his voice. Charlie Taylor has been consistent throughout: the prison system is failing by almost every meaningful measure.
This is not just about money or overcrowding. It is about leadership, culture and accountability. A system under pressure can still be well led; too often ours is not. The churn of secretaries of state has compounded this, while within the service “lacklustre” performance is too often absorbed rather than challenged – and, in some cases, still rewarded.
The scale of the drugs economy alone should sharpen minds. On the inspectorate’s own figures for ease of access and prevalence, even a conservative assessment suggests a prison drugs market worth in the region of £1bn annually. That is not victimless: the burden falls heavily on prisoners’ families, who are frequently coerced, indebted or drawn into sustaining it.
Investment in security and action on drones are necessary, but they are not sufficient. Without consistent leadership, clear accountability and purposeful regimes, the cycle of drugs, debt and violence will persist.
John Podmore
Former governor, HMP Brixton, Belmarsh and Swaleside; former head, Corruption Prevention Unit, Prison Service
The scale of drug use in prisons is alarming and demands urgent action. It is clear that tackling the crisis will take more than investment in security. Across the prison system, drugs flourish in conditions shaped by staff shortages and a lack of meaningful activity. When people are locked in their cells for more than 22 hours a day, boredom and hopelessness inevitably mean that many turn to drugs, fuelling violence and instability.
Without proper access to work, education, purposeful activity and the right support, prisons cannot begin to rehabilitate those within them, and instead risk entrenching addiction and further offending.
Tackling supply is essential and organised crime in prison must be addressed. But ultimately the purpose of prisons must be rehabilitation, and therefore focusing on the reasons why demand for drugs is so high is critical. Otherwise the same failures will persist, inflating the public purse, undermining public safety and failing to help those inside turn their lives around.
Enver Solomon
Chief executive, Nacro
Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
