Number of armed inmates in London prison rises to 136 gangs

The growing number of weapons discovered at a London prison with 136 gangs risks sparking a “self-reinforcing trend” with more young prisoners arming themselves to protect themselves, a watchdog warned on Wednesday.

The Independent Monitoring Committee at Isis Prison in south-east London, which is the “central prison for convicted young adult men”, said violence associated with the “illicit economy” behind bars and a 50 percent increase in “18- to 18-year-olds, more violent.” The 21-year-old age group inside has contributed to an increase in weapons discoveries and attacks.

He said the tools used included razor blades, plugs, “things in a sock” and screws and expressed concern that the growing number of incidents – which have been accompanied by record monthly numbers of weapons discoveries – risks pushing more detainees to join us. the ranks of weapon bearers.

“There is concern that gun ownership may become a self-reinforcing trend as young men arm themselves for protection due to the growing number of guns in the establishment,” the report said. advice.

It warns that violence in prisons has increased 'significantly' over the past year, including an increase in the length of time prisoners are allowed out of their cells and increased 'mixing' between different groups.

The report states that because “approximately 136 gangs are active in the prison, with approximately 50 percent of inmates being gang affiliated, separating members of opposing gangs is a challenge, which has been exacerbated by the increasing mixing of prisoners.”

He adds that another factor behind the rise in violence is the 50 percent increase in the number of young people aged 18 to 21 inside the prison, citing data showing that they are responsible for 46 percent of attacks on other prisoners and half of attacks on prison staff.

The prison is described as trying to address problems through measures such as violence reduction forums and mentoring gang members to try to change their behavior. Other efforts are aimed at helping the significant proportion of young prisoners affected by neurodiversity.