The article discusses the challenges faced by prison officers, particularly regarding mental health issues among inmates and overcrowding in prisons. A former officer recalls a difficult incident involving a mentally ill prisoner. Statistics show prisons have an 85-day wait for transferring mentally ill inmates to hospitals, while overcrowding leads to early prisoner releases. However, this has resulted in a 42% increase in recalls to prison, raising concerns about the safety of inmates and staff, as reflected in growing assaults and suicides. The issues highlight the urgent need for systemic reform in the prison system.
The government has responded to the overcrowding crisis by letting some prisoners out early. But the early release scheme isn't a long-term solution.
Assaults on prison staff occur almost hourly, suicides by prison inmates have risen by nearly 25%, and 70% of inmates feel unsafe.
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