Official independent inspectors said this morning (June 24) that keeping prisoners at HMP Lewes locked in cells for 23 hours a day was "not humane".
The Independent Monitoring Board for Lewes Prison also noted, in their new report, that the psychological impact on prisoners of being locked-up every day for long periods "cannot be overstated".
However, in the findings published today, that prisoners had been "largely kept safe" from the Covid-19 pandemic, and this was down to early planning and what the board called "fair and consistent actions" by the Governor and senior leaders.
The board also found that there had been no spread of Covid-19 to the general prison population at Lewes from people arriving, after positive tests, until the end of January.
Its members added that the regime to protect against virus transmission was "justifiable",
They found that the prisoners’ reaction to the restrictions was "largely one of tolerance and understanding".
But figures from the prison, quoted by the Independent Monitoring Board, appeared to show a disproportionate use of force toward BAME prisoners.
Over a seven-month period from April to October 2020 the average BAME population of the prison was over 17% — but these people were involved in 33% of incidents where force was used.
The board also stated their "continuing concern" that, despite the best efforts of the prison to treat all prisoners with decency and respect, it is not humane for those subject to Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPPs) to have no set date for release.
During the reporting period there was an average of 13 IPP prisoners living in HMP Lewes.
Selena Bevis, Chair of the IMB at Lewes commented:
“This has been an extraordinary year and we commend all the prison staff for keeping the prisoners safe as well as fully informed during the pandemic.”
“The long term impact of the restrictions cannot be overstated.
"We are looking forward to seeing a relaxation of the current regime, and the return of education and work, enabling the prisoners to use their time productively in preparation for release.”
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