A shocking revelation has surfaced regarding the conduct of prison staff at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales. Leaked messages have exposed a culture of cruelty and insensitivity towards inmates, with staff members laughing at violent encounters and making derogatory remarks about incidents of self-harm. The messages, which were circulated on social media last summer, paint a disturbing picture of the mindset within the privately-run prison.
In one particularly disturbing exchange, a staff member responded callously to a complaint about an inmate, stating that “the prisoners need to be broken mentally and physically”. Other messages highlighted instances where inmates were subjected to violence, with one message describing how a staff member had physically assaulted an inmate who had bitten them. The lack of empathy displayed in these messages is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the treatment of prisoners at HMP Parc.
The revelations have prompted an investigation by the prison service’s corruption unit, following a series of incidents at HMP Parc. In a letter to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee, Prisons Minister James Timpson acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that 17 inmates had died at Parc in 2024 – a higher number than any other prison. The arrest of four custody officers on suspicion of assault and misconduct in public office further underscores the need for a thorough inquiry into the conduct of staff members at the facility.
Despite the troubling nature of the leaked messages, G4S, the company that runs HMP Parc, has assured the public that it maintains a “zero tolerance” approach towards staff behavior that falls short of its standards. While acknowledging that the majority of their staff are hardworking and honest, G4S has taken action against those involved in the inappropriate conduct highlighted in the messages. The ongoing investigation by South Wales Police, in collaboration with G4S, aims to address the systemic issues at HMP Parc and ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect
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