Tragedy at HMP Forest Bank: A Vulnerable Prisoner’s Death Raises Alarms Over Safety Protocols
The recent death of Ian William Deavall, a 65-year-old prisoner at HMP Forest Bank in Salford, has sparked serious concerns regarding the safety protocols within the prison system. Deavall suffered a cardiac arrest in his cell on January 24, 2023, an incident that has prompted a coroner to issue a "prevention of future deaths" report, highlighting critical flaws in the prison’s emergency response systems.
The Incident: A Cardiac Arrest in Custody
Deavall, described as a vulnerable prisoner, faced a tragic fate when he suffered a cardiac arrest while in his cell. The circumstances surrounding his death reveal a disturbing lapse in emergency protocols. According to reports, a non-vulnerable prisoner, referred to as ‘Prisoner A’, was able to deactivate the emergency alarm that could have summoned immediate help. This action resulted in a significant delay in alerting prison staff, ultimately hindering Deavall’s chances of receiving timely medical assistance.
Flaws in the Cell Bell System
Assistant Coroner Bronia Hartley has raised grave concerns about the current setup of the cell bell system at HMP Forest Bank. In her report, she criticized the ease with which alarms can be deactivated by other prisoners, emphasizing that this flaw poses a serious risk to vulnerable inmates. Hartley noted that staff became aware of Deavall’s medical emergency "more by accident than design," underscoring the inadequacy of the existing protocols.
The coroner’s findings indicate that both Deavall and his cellmate were classified as vulnerable prisoners, believed to be at risk from other inmates. This classification should have warranted heightened security measures, particularly regarding their ability to summon help in emergencies. However, the failure of the alarm system highlights a systemic issue that could endanger the lives of other vulnerable prisoners in the facility.
The Consequences of Inaction
The coroner’s report serves as a stark warning about the potential for future tragedies if immediate action is not taken to rectify the identified flaws. Hartley stated, "There remains a risk that future deaths could occur as it remains the case that emergency cell bells at HMP Forest Bank can be deactivated readily and altogether by other prisoners." This statement underscores the urgent need for reform in how emergency protocols are managed within the prison system.
In her recommendations, Hartley called for urgent action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The implications of her findings extend beyond Deavall’s tragic death; they highlight a broader issue of safety and security for vulnerable prisoners who may be at risk of victimization by their peers.
Responses from Authorities
In the wake of the coroner’s report, HMP Forest Bank has expressed condolences to Deavall’s family and acknowledged the need for a thorough review of the findings. A spokesperson for the prison stated, "Our thoughts and condolences remain with Mr. Deavall’s family. Following the close of the inquest, we are working with HMPPS and the Ministry of Justice to review the coroner’s conclusions and recommendations." This response indicates a willingness to engage with the issues raised, but the effectiveness of any changes remains to be seen.
The Broader Implications
The tragic death of Ian William Deavall serves as a critical reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by certain populations within the prison system. Vulnerable prisoners, often at risk of victimization, require robust protections and emergency protocols that can be relied upon in times of crisis. The flaws identified in the cell bell system at HMP Forest Bank not only jeopardize the safety of individuals like Deavall but also raise questions about the overall effectiveness of prison management in safeguarding the well-being of all inmates.
As the Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service, and Sodexo Justice Services review the coroner’s recommendations, it is imperative that they prioritize the implementation of effective measures to ensure that no other prisoner faces a similar fate. The call for urgent action is not just a response to a single incident; it is a necessary step towards creating a safer and more humane prison environment for all.
In conclusion, the death of Ian William Deavall is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities within the prison system and the urgent need for reform. The coroner’s report highlights critical flaws that must be addressed to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all prisoners, particularly those who are most at risk.