Violence and brutality. That’s a fearsome reputation. We are standing before Feltham Young Offender Institution. It is commonly known as HM Prison Feltham. This prison houses young male offenders.
Let’s delve into the complex history of Feltham. The original institution opened in 1859. It started as an Industrial School. In 1910, the Prison Commissioners took it over. It became their second Borstal institution. The existing building transformed into a Remand Centre. That happened in March 1988.
The current institution emerged in 1991. Feltham Borstal merged with the Ashford Remand Centre. His Majesty’s Prison Service directly manages it. There is no private firm involvement.
Before 2005, violence plagued Feltham. Allegations of racism among officers surfaced. The murder of Zahid Mubarek stands out. His racist cellmate, Robert Stewart, committed the act. It happened on Mubarek’s release day. Proposals arose to rename the prison. “HMP Bedfont Lakes” was one suggestion. It received little support.
A 2005 inspection highlighted progress. The report praised reception procedures. It also lauded the Outreach Team for self-harm issues. Measures addressed race relations effectively. Voluntary sector work thrives within Feltham. A coordinator manages over 25 agencies. These agencies support those convicted and on remand.
However, a 2013 inspection revealed problems. It cited excessive force by prison staff. Unacceptably high levels of violence existed. The Howard League for Penal Reform condemned the prison. They called it frightening and ineffective. It was also astoundingly costly.
In 2013, the Ministry of Justice announced a study. They considered replacing Feltham’s buildings. A larger adult prison and youth detention center was planned.
A 2014 inspection found some progress. But major concerns remained. Violence levels stayed high. Prisoners lacked activities. They spent long periods locked in cells.
Feltham tries to pacify violent inmates. Some identify as violent gang members. In 2015, Feltham was the most violent prison in England and Wales. It hosted 894 serious attacks. Inmates who commit violence face consequences. They may stay in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day. In 2015, officers knew of 48 gangs.
Today, young adults and juveniles live in separate units. Young adult units hold about 60 prisoners. Juvenile units hold 30 prisoners. Almost all juvenile rooms are for single occupation. Young offenders have both double and single rooms. All rooms have sanitation and TV. The IEP scheme operates in all areas. It is incentives and earned privilege scheme.
The prison regime includes education. There are workshops and vocational training. Construction, farming, and gardening skills are taught. NVQs are also available. Offending behavior groups exist. Voluntary agencies offer support. There is one-to-one teaching. Substance misuse work is provided. Pre-release courses help prepare inmates.
A 2017 inspection found unsafe conditions. This was especially true in juvenile units. Violence had increased. A staff member suffered a serious assault. The prison was criticized for 23-hour detention. Healthcare was good and mental health care impressive. Efforts to resettle offenders were also good.
A July 2024 report paints a grim picture. HMP Feltham A is the most violent prison in England and Wales. It houses inmates as young as 15 years old.
Feltham has housed some notable people. Mohammad Amir was involved in a cricket scandal. Ghetts, a grime artist, was sent to Feltham. J Hus is another rapper who served time. Zahid Mubarek was murdered there. Richard Reid, the “shoe bomber,” allegedly converted to Islam.
Feltham’s troubled history continues. It strives to improve. It is a complex institution. It plays a role in the criminal justice system.