Inmates at HMP Stanford Hill smuggle takeaways into cells

Inmates at HMP Stanford Hill, located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, have been smuggling takeaway food into their cells due to dissatisfaction with the prison's food quality. The prison's Independent Monitoring Board reported that the food served is prepared at the neighboring HMP Swaleside, which has led to issues such as late deliveries and opportunities for contraband to enter the facility. Inmates are allowed temporary releases for various reasons, including work and resettlement trips, which they exploit to bring back illicit items. The report highlights that the prison faces significant challenges in controlling the influx of contraband, including food, alcohol, drugs, and mobile phones. The open nature of the prison, combined with the lack of adequate scanning equipment, exacerbates the problem. Over 100 prisoners work outside the prison daily, returning each evening, which further complicates security measures. Despite efforts to combat the issue through intelligence-based operations, including mandatory drug testing and cell searches, the presence of illicit items remains a persistent problem. New prisoners have noted that the situation at Stanford Hill is worse than in the closed prisons they previously inhabited, indicating a systemic issue within the prison's management and security protocols. The Independent Monitoring Board's findings suggest that the quality of food and the management of contraband are critical areas needing improvement. The current arrangements for food preparation and the prison's operational practices must be reassessed to enhance the overall environment and security within HMP Stanford Hill.