Ricardo Holgate
11 Jan 2019 · Coroner Louise Hunt · Birmingham and Solihull
A similar concern from this report was raised again 2 times later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. illicit substance misuse
“The new Governing Governor confirmed that further steps are necessary to improve the management of illicit substance misuse. He confirmed the prison requires CCTV on all wings and airport style scanners - one in reception for prisoners and one in the visitor area.”
2. illicit substance use and supply
“Much progress has been made as a result of the appointment of the Governing Governor [name redacted]. His appointment was for 6 months. He advised at the inquest that there is much more work to do and extension of his appointment would allow further work to be undertaken to reduce the use and supply of illicit substances in the prison and to keep inmates safe.”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“The new Governing Governor confirmed that further steps are necessary to improve the management of illicit substance misuse. He confirmed the prison requires CCTV on all wings and airport style scanners - one in reception for prisoners and one in the visitor area.”
Later report
“The report concluded that it was extremely troubling that Mr [name redacted] was able to access and use illicit substances, including Psychoactive Substances, with apparent ease at The Mount, particularly as he lived on a wing for prisoners with substance misuse issues.”
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
This report
“The new Governing Governor confirmed that further steps are necessary to improve the management of illicit substance misuse. He confirmed the prison requires CCTV on all wings and airport style scanners - one in reception for prisoners and one in the visitor area.”
Later report
“The availability of illicit substances continued to be a serious concern that undermined safety and stability. The rate of positive drug tests remained as high as at our full inspection in 2023”
Responses
2019-0012-Response-by-GS4.pdf ↗· G4S
Stated action · in due course
“G4S does agree with Mr [name redacted] that HMP Birmingham would benefit from CCTV and airport style scanners. It is G4S's understanding that Mr [name redacted] submitted to HMPPS a case for funding in respect of the cost of purchase and installation of CCTV and that this has been approved. The CCTV will therefore be installed at HMP Birmingham in due course.”
Stated action
“discussions between Mr [name redacted] and HMPPS are ongoing”