Bristol Prison 'lost'

Thursday, 2 June 2005 12:00 AM

Bristol Prison is suffering from a wide range of problems and has "lost its way", according to a report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Anne Owers cited a lack of proper risk assessments for mixed adult prisoners aged between 18 and 21, limited jobs for inmates and poor systems for tackling bullying.

She blamed these problems and others related to the safety and race relations on inconsistent management - the prison has had three governors in the space of two years.

"Bristol showed all the signs of its recent unsettled past and inconsistent management. It could best be described as a prison that had lost its way," she said.

However, the prison's work with foreign nationals and its legal services impressed the inspection team.

Phil Wheatley, Director General of the Prison Service, said that the prison would endeavour to improve in the future.

"With the new management team in place the prison already has a renewed sense of direction," he said.

"A full review has been commissioned to look into the amount and quality of activity available for prisoners at Bristol with a view to introducing more work places where possible."

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