Prison guards told: Be kind to prisoners

Nov 26 2007

BARMY bosses at a Midland jail have ordered guards to call inmates by their first names - and knock politely on the door before entering cells.

The politically correct move at Birmingham's Winson Green was prompted by an official Government report aiming to boost the 'quality of life' of convicted criminals.

The Victorian jail houses more than 1,400 inmates, including murderers, rapists, thugs and robbers.

A new study by Her Majesty's Chief Inspectorate of Prisons concludes they are not living in a 'good environment' - and recommends staff should soften their approach to the cons.

Officers have now been ordered to call the inmates by their first name and told to knock before entering their cells.

Last night, Andrew Mitchell, Conservative Shadow Minister for Birmingham, said: "It sounds as if the Department of Justice will have the prison officers dressed in a butler's uniform serving breakfast to inmates on a silver tray before long."

Winson Green management has set up a team to ensure the shock Inspectorate recommendations are followed.

But a source at the Category B jail said: "Being forced to call prisoners by their first name is blurring the line between inmates and guards. It could have very damaging consequences.

"Some older prisoners actually prefer us using their surnames because they know where they are with that."

Officers hunting for drugs and weapons will also have to ask permission from dangerous lags to enter cells.

The Sunday Mercury revealed earlier this year how inmates were smuggling deadly weapons and Class A narcotics into Midland jails at an alarming rate.

Those on the frontline believe the report's recommendations will make their job even harder.

One Winson Green guard told the Sunday Mercury: "We are in a constant battle against drugs and mobile phones being brought into prison.

To have to ask permission to enter a cell stops us doing our job.

"Those extra few seconds' delay could be crucial because the prisoners know how to hide pretty much anything.