REDUCING inmate numbers at HMP Nottingham will save lives, protect staff and reduce crime, prison reform campaigners urged today as an inspection revealed an unsafe environment.

Inspectors at the reception and resettlement prison found it is still struggling to “maintain a safe environment and a meaningful regime” even after an urgent notification was issued in 2018.

Levels of self-harm had reduced by 17 per cent since the last inspection, but remained “too high” and there had been one self-inflicted death since HMI Prisons had last visited.

The case management and oversight of prisoners under constant supervision were “not good enough,” the inspectors found.

And many vulnerable prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm on a care plan reported feeling uncared for.

Violence is now at a similar level to other prisons, but arrangements to reduce it further were “not understood” by staff or prisoners, and oversight and management of those on the programme was “poor.”

The use of force remains high and unemployed prisoners, who make up 45 per cent of the population, are being locked up for 22 hours a day despite pandemic restrictions being lifted.

Howard League for Penal Reform director of campaigns Andrew Neilson said: “Nottingham prison has been under intense pressure for several years, largely due to acute overcrowding.

“At the time of this inspection, the prison was supposed to hold no more than 719 men, but it was actually being forced to accommodate 855.

“With resources stretched to this degree, it should surprise no one that staff are struggling to keep people safe and engaged in work and education.

“Sensible steps to reduce the prison population would save lives, protect staff and reduce crime.”