Huge increase in 'at-height' custody protests in youth jails

Figures released in parliament show that there were a total of 250 so-called “at-height incidents” at young offender institutions (YOIs) holding 15- to 18-year-olds during 2014/15. There were a further 314 incidents at "split-site" YOIs that hold both under-18s and 18- to 24-year-olds in separate accommodation.

This represents at least a five-fold increase compared with 2013/14, when the Chief Inspector of Prisons' annual report revealed there were 49 incidents involving under-18s. In 2012/13 there were 25 incidents. 

Writing in that report, the chief inspector said the incidents often involve prisoners clambering onto the netting or railings attached to wing landings in the hope they will be taken to segregation and transferred to another prison, or because they are protesting at something.

The figures also showed that there had been four hostage incidents in under-18 YOIs during 2014/15, as well as a further three at sites holding 15- to 24-year-olds.

Prisons minister Andrew Selous, who released figures for all prisons and YOIs in England and Wales following a parliamentary question from Labour MP Andy Slaughter, said the vast majority of at-height incidents “are minor in nature and resolved quickly and professionally without injury, damage or disruption to the running of the prison”.

“Each incident is investigated fully to ensure lessons are learned and best practice in managing incidents is shared across the National Offender Management Service," he said.

"Many incidents at height are relatively short in duration, lasting less than 15 minutes, and take place on netting or over railings."

“Hostage incidents are relatively rare and in many cases of hostage taking collusion between the perpetrator and victim is suspected. We do not tolerate violence or disorder in our prisons."

Earlier this month an initial report of a government-ordered review into youth justice conducted by Charlie Taylor called for a greater focus on education for young offenders.

Taylor's report proposes the creation of a network of smaller custodial establishments as secure schools, in a similar way to alternative provision free schools.