HMP Winchester Faces Emergency Measures Amid Dire Conditions

The Victorian-era prison is criticized for systemic failings, high violence, and drug use.

Inspectors reported Winchester prison as severely dilapidated, with one inmate able to remove his own cell door.
The prison, housing around 690 inmates, has been placed in emergency measures due to appalling conditions.
Winchester has the highest rate of serious assaults on staff and the second highest between inmates in England and Wales.
Drug use is rampant, with 41% of inmates testing positive and nearly half finding it easy to obtain illicit substances.
The Ministry of Justice is required to produce an urgent action plan to address these systemic failings.