Days of Turmoil at Parc Prison Include Violence, Drug Incidents, and a Fire Outbreak
The Parc prison in Bridgend has been embroiled in a series of alarming incidents over the past weekend, highlighting a range of issues such as violence, drug misuse, and security breaches. These events include a case where one inmate required urgent hospitalisation due to a suspected drug overdose, another inmate being arrested for allegedly assaulting a prison officer, a fire started by a prisoner, and a suicide attempt by a different prisoner. A source close to the facility claimed that an inmate tried to take his own life on Sunday evening after reportedly being attacked following a transfer to a wing where his life had been threatened by other inmates.
The private security company G4S, which operates Parc, confirmed that a “small fire” instigated by a prisoner on Saturday was swiftly managed and the fire service was called as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson from G4S mentioned that a prisoner had been taken to the hospital for suspected drug-related issues over the weekend but had since been discharged and returned to the prison. Additionally, South Wales Police is currently investigating an alleged assault on a female prison officer by a male inmate, which occurred shortly before 1 am on Saturday.
Assaults on Parc staff have escalated by 109% in the past year, indicating a concerning trend of violence within the facility. Furthermore, a distressing incident was reported where a family member of a prisoner was locked in a dark room for an hour after cutting short their visit due to a panic attack. Responding to this, a G4S representative stated that while efforts are made to ensure a positive visiting experience, unexpected situations like these can lead to delays in escorting visitors out of the premises.
The Parc prison has seen a total of 17 deaths within an 11-month period, raising serious questions about the safety and security measures within the facility. Earlier in the month, a former officer came forward with allegations of significant failings linked to three recent inmate deaths, prompting further scrutiny of the prison’s operational practices. The surge in incidents at Parc has underscored the challenges faced by both the staff and inmates within the facility, necessitating a comprehensive review of security protocols and support mechanisms.
In light of these recent developments, concerns have been mounting about the overall state of affairs at Parc prison, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in addressing the issues plaguing the facility. The need for improved safety measures and enhanced support for both staff and inmates has become imperative to prevent further escalations of violence and security breaches. As investigations continue into the recent incidents, authorities are urged to take prompt and effective action to ensure the well-being and security of all individuals at Parc prison.