What happened at HMP Downview involving senior officers?

Senior prison officers at HMP Downview are accused of having an affair, which reportedly led to concerns about blackmail and a baby shower being held on prison grounds.

Did the Prison Service take disciplinary action against the officers at HMP Downview?

No, an internal review by the Prison Service concluded that there were no breaches of conduct or corruption concerns.

What are the risks of affairs between prison staff?

Inappropriate relationships between prison staff can leave them open to potential manipulation and blackmail, undermining prison security and standards.

Home / Crime and Justice / Prison Governor's Affair Sparks Blackmail Fears

Prison Governor's Affair Sparks Blackmail Fears

22 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Senior officers allegedly had an affair at HMP Downview.
Inspectors feared blackmail risk due to the relationship.
Prison Service found no breaches of conduct in review.

Prison Governor's Affair Sparks Blackmail Fears

Two senior prison officers at HMP Downview in Surrey are embroiled in allegations of an affair, which has led to fears of potential blackmail. Inspectors reportedly alerted the jail's governor, Amy Dixon, about the relationship between a married male officer and a female colleague holding management roles.

Despite the concerns, it is understood that Governor Dixon permitted a baby shower for the couple's child to take place within the prison. The male officer has since transferred to a senior role elsewhere and is involved in policy setting for the female prison estate.

The Prison Service conducted an internal review, concluding that there were no breaches of conduct, corruption concerns, or grounds for disciplinary action. However, former governor Professor Ian Acheson emphasized the risks of manipulation associated with such relationships in correctional facilities.