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Prison Staff Under Fire After Inmate's Tragic Death
22 Nov
Summary
- An inmate was found hanging after a blocked cell hatch was not immediately reported.
- Staff shortages and worsening prison conditions were cited as contributing factors.
- Inaccurate record-keeping and a failure to act on risk factors preceded the death.
A recent inquest has brought to light critical failures in prison safety protocols following the death of an inmate, identified as Crosher. He was discovered hanging in his cell after a blocked hatch was not promptly addressed. The responding officer acknowledged making a "very serious" mistake by not immediately initiating an emergency response upon discovering the obstruction.
Testimony revealed significant challenges within the facility, including severe staff sickness leading to understaffing and a "massive influx of contraband." This environment, described as having "worsening conditions," may have led to a desensitization to emergencies. Senior management's lack of support was also a point of contention.
Further details emerged regarding other staff members' actions. One officer admitted to incorrectly logging a check that never occurred, while another was not fully informed of the inmate's history of self-harm or the precise timing of previous checks. This lack of clear communication and adherence to procedure contributed to the circumstances surrounding the inmate's death.
