INSPECTORS have raised concerns about conditions at Exeter Prison.

They describe the prison in  New North Road as old and  overcrowded. And although it  has generally good staff-prisoner relationships and a strong  resettlement focus, major inadequacies were identified.

Inspectors were concerned  about some weak and poorly  implemented safety policies.

 Many more prisoners than at  the time of the previous inspection felt unsafe at Exeter.

Inspectors noted that:

Although levels of self-harm  were relatively low, suicide and  self-harm arrangements were  poor. And little had been done  to follow up investigations into  recent self-inflicted deaths.

 Implementation of the violence reduction policy was variable, and the monitoring of alleged bullies was ‘perfunctory’.

Supervision of the vulnerable  prisoner wing was insufficient  to ensure safety.

Inspectors said that although  the quantity and quality of purposeful activity had improved,  it was inadequate to meet the  needs of the prison population.

But  inspectors were pleased  to find relationships between  staff and prisoners were reasonably good and most prisoners  said they had a member of staff  they could turn to if needed.

Resettlement arrangements  were described as ‘exceptionally good’ for a local prison.  Healthcare was also generally  good said the report.

 Dame Anne Owers, Chief Inspector of Prisons, published  the report following a recent  planned inspection.

She said: “Exeter prison has  to manage a wide range of  needy and transient prisoners  in elderly, overcrowded and often inadequate conditions.

“It is therefore commendable  that the prison was able to focus  effectively on resettlement.

“However, prisoners spent  too long locked in their cells  and, while most told us they felt  safe, we had considerable concern about the weakness of  some safety arrangements.

“Given the range of risks that  must be managed, it is a matter  of some urgency and importance to address this.”

Phil Wheatley, director general of the National Offender  Management Service, said: “I  am pleased that the chief inspector acknowledges that staff  at Exeter have constructive relationships with prisoners.”