Former Prison Officers Criticise UK Supermax Prison Plans as 'Vanity Move'
Plans to introduce US-style 'supermax' prisons in the United Kingdom have been met with scepticism from former prison officers, who warn that the measures will fail to address fundamental security issues within the prison estate. Justice Secretary David Lammy announced the initiative following a government review, which highlighted an urgent need for reform after high-profile incidents, including an alleged attack by Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi on officers at HMP Frankland.
'Nothing Can Stop Prisoners Making Weapons'
One former guard, who worked across maximum security facilities, told Metro: 'Nothing can stop prisoners from making weapons out of toilet brushes and toothbrushes. They are already on separation wings, but many of them still have the same freedoms as the regular prison population – just separately.' This sentiment underscores a broader concern that the proposed supermax system, which involves tiered separation centres for the most dangerous extremists, may intensify communication among high-risk inmates rather than isolate them effectively.
Rising Assaults and Staffing Shortages
Official Ministry of Justice data reveals a troubling trend: in the year ending September 2024, there were 29,881 assaults within prisons, with over 10,000 targeting staff members. This equates to nearly 30 attacks on officers daily. Former officers attribute this surge to budget cuts, deteriorating inmate behaviour, and an exodus of well-trained staff. Sam Samworth, a former guard at HMP Manchester, described the situation as 'an absolute car crash' since 2015, noting that prisoners now 'run the jails' due to a lack of discipline and excessive time locked in cells.
Personal Accounts of Violence
An anonymous ex-officer, who quit after four years due to job stress, shared harrowing experiences: 'I've had boiled urine thrown over me,' he revealed, detailing incidents of being punched, kicked, and witnessing a colleague stabbed in the neck at HMP Woodhill. He criticised the supermax plans as a 'vanity move', arguing that the current system is 'too pro-prisoner' and calling for stricter conditions and increased funding to hire and train competent guards.
Government Response and Implementation Timeline
Justice Secretary David Lammy defended the supermax initiative, stating: 'The horrific attack at HMP Frankland was a stark reminder of the dangers our prison staff face every day. Mr Hall's review makes serious and wide-reaching recommendations, and our response will be decisive and determined.' The reforms, which include bolstered staff training and new laws on payouts to terrorists, are not expected to be implemented until 2028 at the earliest. Independent reviewer Jonathan Hall KC praised the tiered system at ADX Florence in Colorado, which ranges from solitary confinement to transitional units, as a model for the UK's separation centres.
Despite government assurances, former officers remain unconvinced, emphasising that without addressing core issues like inmate freedoms and staffing levels, the supermax prisons may fail to enhance security or protect prison staff effectively.
