Advocates say programming being cut back due to overcrowding at HMP
Advocates say programming is being cut back, and tensions are rising at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. It comes as a result of overcrowding and inmates being forced to sleep on cots in the gymnasium.
More than twenty inmates at HMP are reportedly sleeping in the gymnasium, because of overcrowding at the prison. Advocates say the situation is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also unsafe. Warning it can increase stress, conflict and limit access to important rehabilitation programs.
Dan McGettigan is the Director at Turnings, a community-based organization focused on preventing victimization by supporting the safe reintegration of individuals at risk of re-offending.
He says government needs to take immediate action, including finding short term solutions to ease the pressure, while working collaboratively on long term fixes. All while awaiting the long promised new correctional facility, being built in the White Hills area of the capital city, with a completion date of Fall 2029.