26-05-2025
Huge increase in prison officers investigated for relationships with inmates
The number of prison officers in England and Wales investigated for inappropriate relationships with inmates has nearly tripled in five years, rising from 51 in 2020 to 144 in 2024.
Experts attribute this increase to a recruitment and retention crisis leading to inexperienced staff, including "teenagers with no work experience beyond Saturday jobs," being hired in challenging prisons.
The investigation also revealed an 86% increase in prison officers investigated for smuggling contraband into jails during the same period.
Concerns have been raised about inadequate recruitment, vetting, and training processes, which contribute to staff vulnerability to corruption.
While the majority of prison staff are honest, the Prison Service emphasizes its commitment to catching corrupt individuals through its Counter-Corruption Unit and stricter vetting procedures.
