A damning report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons has exposed HMP Feltham as the most violent prison in the country, with gang disputes and homemade weapons causing chaos. The young offenders' institution in west London recorded 410 violent incidents in the year to March, equating to 488 incidents per 100 inmates – six times the rate at HMP Bedford, one of the most violent adult prisons.
Inspectors found a volatile environment where children aged 15 to 18 play 'the big man' and must be kept apart. Over 260 segregation orders were in place, with seven inmates isolated for more than 50 days and two for over 100 days. Education was disrupted as boys were allocated classes based on who they could mix with without fighting, rather than ability.
The violence escalated so badly last summer that dogs were brought in to patrol. One inmate assaulted 38 staff members in seven months. Homemade weapons were rife, including plugs in socks and a screw attached to a pencil used in a three-on-one assault. The facility suffers from leaks and poor insulation, with buckets placed in the visitors' centre.
Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor said he was 'very concerned' by the deterioration since his last visit, though he praised staff for maintaining positive relationships despite the violence. The Prison Officers Association warned 'a tragedy is on its way', claiming staff have 'zero protection'. However, the Independent Monitoring Board chair said conditions have improved in recent months, with boys spending more time out of their rooms and attending education.
