The Independent Monitoring Board warns that increasingly sophisticated drones are being used to smuggle drugs into HMP The Mount, causing a high number of drug-related collapses. One officer subdued a drone by lying on it, and the IMB says further preventative measures — such as repairing cameras and replacing windows — are needed. Inspectors recorded 11 assaults on staff in one month and a serious inmate-on-inmate attack in October, and highlighted severe staff shortages with over 20% of prisoners waiting for offender manager allocation.
Drones Smuggling Drugs Create 'Major Challenge' At HMP The Mount, IMB Says
Staff at HMP The Mount maintain constant vigilance for drones overhead, said the Independent Monitoring Board [Getty Images]
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has warned that a rise in sophisticated drones delivering contraband is creating a "major challenge" at HMP The Mount in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire. The board reported a high number of prisoners collapsing after taking drugs believed to have been smuggled into the prison by unmanned aerial devices.
Key Incidents and Security Concerns
In one notable episode, an officer physically subdued a drone carrying a significant quantity of prohibited items by lying on top of the device, the IMB said. While prison managers have introduced anti-drone measures, the report urged further preventative steps — including repairing damaged security cameras and replacing windows — to reduce opportunities for drones to deliver packages.
Violence and Staff Safety
The IMB highlighted ongoing safety issues for staff. In September last year there were 11 recorded assaults on staff, typically occurring during periods of heightened tension and involving punches, bites or liquids being thrown. In October the board recorded a "very serious violent incident" in which one prisoner sustained a significant wound following an assault by another inmate; staff and paramedics responded promptly and provided emergency medical care.
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"In the opinion of the Board, the support from HM Prison and Probation Service and the Ministry of Justice is inadequate," said Simon Clarke, chair of the prison's IMB, adding that many fundamental issues remain unaddressed.
Culture, Staffing and Management
Inspectors noted that efforts by the governor, management team and staff have improved the atmosphere around the jail: the report says the site no longer "emanates a feeling of violence" when walking the wings. However, the offender management unit remains significantly short-staffed, with more than 20% of prisoners still waiting to be assigned a prison offender manager.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the report, saying it "recognises the hard work of staff at HMP The Mount, whose efforts are helping to put prisons on a more stable footing." The spokesperson added that former Home Secretary Amber Rudd is leading an independent review of the prison system to address long-standing problems and to develop a long-term plan to build safer prisons, reduce reoffending and better protect the public.
Location: HMP The Mount, Bovingdon, Hertfordshire.
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