Thursday, November 14, 2024
Increase in prison officer absences due to mental health.

Increase in prison officer absences due to mental health.

Number of Prison Officers Taking Sick Days for Mental Health Doubles in Five Years

The number of prison officers in England and Wales who took sick days for mental health reasons nearly doubled over five years, according to data obtained by BBC Radio Kent. In 2016/17, 1,456 staff members took time off for mental health reasons, while in 2021/22, that number rose to 2,879. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) attributes this increase to factors such as long hours, violence, and poor pay, which lead to staff burnout.

Government’s Response

The government claims to be providing extensive mental health support for prison officers. However, the data obtained did not include non-operational or private prisons. The Ministry of Justice states that during the five-year period, the number of prison officers only rose by 18%, with 21,633 officers in December 2022 compared to 18,402 in March 2017.

Challenges Faced by Prison Officers

Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the POA, highlights the factors contributing to a less attractive working environment for prison officers. He mentions violence, the threat of violence, and a hyper vigilant state as significant challenges. These issues result in a high attrition rate among officers and an increased diagnosis of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which tragically can lead to suicide in some cases.

A Former Prison Officer’s Perspective

Tom Hill, who served as a prison officer for 32 years at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, attributes the increase in violence and self-harm to the austerity cuts from 2010. He mentions that with the loss of experienced staff and reduced regimes, prisoners spend long hours locked in their cells, leading to boredom and subsequent issues. Hill expresses shock at the level of violence one human being can inflict on another, as well as the occurrence of prisoner suicides and self-harm.

Efforts to Improve Prison Safety

The Prison Service claims to be taking steps to enhance prison safety. They increased the number of band 3-5 officers by 3,662 between October 2016 and September 2022. In addition, prison officers now carry PAVA spray and are provided with body cameras to reduce hostility and violence within prisons.

Response from MPs

Gordon Henderson, the Conservative MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, notes the campaign to provide more protection to prison staff. He mentions the introduction of PAVA spray and body cameras, which have helped reduce hostility and violence. The government also asserts that prison officer pay is being boosted to at least £30,000, with an additional £3,000 for some of the lowest-paid officers, to attract and retain more staff.

Mental Health Support for Prison Officers

The Prison Service emphasizes its commitment to the well-being of staff by offering extensive mental health support. This includes a 24-hour helpline, confidential counseling, and specialized therapy after traumatic incidents.

Source

About Clio Nguyen

Introducing the brilliant Clio Nguyen, an esteemed author on our blog with a true dedication to health and wellness. With an impressive depth of knowledge and a commitment to staying on the cutting edge of research and trends, Clio offers invaluable insights and advice that will empower her readers to achieve a healthy life. Join her on this transformative journey and discover the keys to a healthier, happier you!

Check Also

Health heroines divulge tactics and overarching visions - NPR.

Health heroines divulge tactics and overarching visions – NPR.

Two ‘heroines of health’ share stealth strategies and big-picture … Two ‘heroines of health’ share …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *