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Prisons in 'crisis'

Last Modified: 30 Jan 2007
By: Simon Israel

John Reid's in-tray overflows even more tonight after the prisons watchdog says the system is in serious crisis, as the number of prison officers falls for the first time in more than six years.

Watch the report

'Like building the ark after the flood' - for the first time the prisons watchdog has said England's jails are in 'serious crisis'.

In a blistering report - Anne Owers accused the government of failing to plan for the soaring number of offenders - and frustrating efforts to stop inmates from re-offending.

More criticism for the beleaguered Home Secretary John Reid to deal with.

Related links
Law and Order reports
Annual Report 2005-2006 by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (.pdf)