Jail inmate numbers hit record high

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The number of inmates has rocketed by nearly 600 in just three weeks - the equivalent of an average-sized jail.

The spokeswoman said: "The prison population remains of concern, but we have brought forward measures to address this which have already had an effect.

"Since the beginning of March we have increased total capacity by over 1,000 places through the prison building programme and more efficient use of the estate.

"This means we are able to manage the current high level of the population more effectively, with little use of police cells under Operation Safeguard.

"However, we are not complacent, and expect the pressure to continue for the time being."

The figures came after a row with the Prison Officers Association, which claimed its members had lost control of sections in some jails, leading to "no-go areas".

The Prison Service spokeswoman said: "We commend the hard work of prison staff in holding prisoners safely and securely.

"Protecting the public is our first priority, and we will always ensure that there are places for those serious and dangerous offenders who ought to be in prison."

More than 2,500 new jail places would be delivered during this year, she added.