Recent statistics on violence in jails appear to support the old prison saying that ‘happiness is door shaped’. COVID-19 restrictions meant that most prisoners, apart from a small number who were working, were locked in their cells for 22 or more hours a day. They were only unlocked in small groups that were not allowed to mix. Gyms, education, libraries and communal worship were all suspended.
What we do
Learn about our remit and values and the role of the Chief Inspector. Read the Urgent Notifications we have issued and find out about our Independent Reviews of Progress.
About our inspections
Find out which establishments we inspect and the frequency of our visits. Learn about the inspection process and how we produce our reports.
Our reports
Download inspection reports, thematic reports and research, annual reports and business plans, including those carried out with other inspectorates.
Our Expectations
Explore the criteria we use for assessing the treatment of detainees and conditions in detention.
