INQUEST, DPSC and Release submission to the Justice Committee’s inquiry on Drugs in Prison

Our joint submission with INQUEST and DPSC to the Justice Committee’s inquiry on drugs in prison presents a comprehensive analysis of drug-related harms and deaths within the prison system in England and Wales. It highlights the urgent need for reform and harm reduction strategies, emphasising the complex interplay between drug use and prison conditions.

 

Key findings

1. Current state of drug use in prisons:
   • Drug use in prisons is described as widespread and increasingly problematic, with studies suggesting that between 60% to 90% of prisoners use New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and a significant number are drug dependent upon entering prison.
   • Research indicates that drugs are primarily consumed for escapism, boredom, and addiction in the context of lengthy periods of isolation and inadequate prison regimes.
2. Impact of isolation and environment:
   • The isolation and lack of purposeful activities contribute significantly to drug use, as prisoners often face extreme boredom, spending less than 10 hours outside their cells each week.
   • The submission argues that this confinement violates human rights, as described in the Mandela Rules regarding solitary confinement.
3. Harmful substances and their effects:
   • The rise of synthetic cannabinoids as replacements for traditional drugs is highlighted, with concerns regarding their psychoactive effects, potential for addiction, and severe health risks, including self-harm and psychosis.
   • Evidence is presented showing that the availability of these substances exacerbates the psychological and physical suffering of prisoners.
4. Failures in drug policy and treatment:
   • Existing policies, including mandatory drug testing, are critiqued for being ineffective and driving prisoners toward using less detectable, more harmful substances.
   • The submission calls for a shift from punitive measures toward harm reduction approaches, including the provision of naloxone and access to safe consumption spaces.
5. Recommendations for reform:
   • The joint submission makes four key recommendations:
     1. Implement transformative justice and redirect funds from the criminal justice system to community-based services.
     2. Abolish all short sentences and custodial sentences for drug possession.
     3. Establish harm reduction initiatives in prisons, including needle/syringe programs and opioid substitution therapy (OST).
     4. Advocate for wider drug policy reform to decriminalise drug possession and support evidence-based treatment strategies.
6. Focus on mental health:
   • The submission emphasises the mental health crises in prisons, exacerbated by inadequate mental health services and the failure to assist those with existing conditions, leading to tragic outcomes.
7. Continuity of post-release care:
   • There is a noted failure in providing support for prisoners post-release, particularly in accessing drug treatment and essential services, which contributes to higher risks of overdose and reoffending.

In conclusion, the submission underscores an urgent need for reform in how drugs in prison are handled, advocating for policies rooted in public health rather than criminalisation. By addressing the systemic issues leading to drug-related harm and deaths, we hope to promote a more humane and effective approach to drug use within the prison system.