Public protection
Prison operational capacity
Prison first receptions (quarterly)
A first reception is a measure which counts a prisoner's first movement into custody following a court hearing for a particular set of offences committed, and therefore gives the best indication of the number of new prisoners in the reporting period.
| Period | Prison first receptions (quarterly) |
|---|---|
| Jan-Mar 2010 | 30,242 |
| Apr-Jun 2010 | 29,676 |
| Jul-Sep 2010 | 30,166 |
| Oct-Dec 2010 | 27,958 |
| Jan-Mar 2011 | 30,215 |
| Apr-Jun 2011 | 29,048 |
| Jul-Sep 2011 | 32,212 |
| Oct-Dec 2011 | 29,285 |
| Jan-Mar 2012 | 30,303 |
| Apr-Jun 2012 | 27,415 |
| Jul-Sep 2012 | 28,776 |
| Oct-Dec 2012 | 26,278 |
| Jan-Mar 2013 | 26,423 |
| Apr-Jun 2013 | 27,129 |
| Jul-Sep 2013 | 27,871 |
| Oct-Dec 2013 | 25,895 |
| Jan-Mar 2014 | 26,151 |
| Apr-Jun 2014 | |
| Jul-Sep 2014 | 26,391 |
| Oct-Dec 2014 | 25,087 |
| Jan-Mar 2015 | 24,514 |
| Apr-Jun 2015 | 23,683 |
| Jul-Sep 2015 | 22,958 |
| Oct-Dec 2015 | 22,567 |
| Jan-Mar 2016 | 22,100 |
| Apr-Jun 2016 | 21,707 |
| Jul-Sep 2016 | 21,732 |
| Oct-Dec 2016 | 20,719 |
| Jan-Mar 2017 | 21,357 |
| Apr-Jun 2017 | 21,236 |
| Jul-Sep 2017 | 21,335 |
| Oct-Dec 2017 | 19,989 |
| Jan-Mar 2018 | 19,927 |
| Apr-Jun 2018 | 19,330 |
| Jul-Sep 2018 | 18,974 |
| Oct-Dec 2018 | 18,219 |
| Jan-Mar 2019 | 17,690 |
| Apr-Jun 2019 | 18,370 |
| Jul-Sep 2019 | 18,806 |
| Oct-Dec 2019 | 17,306 |
| Jan-Mar 2020 | 17,092 |
| Apr-Jun 2020 | 12,608 |
| Jul-Sep 2020 | 15,242 |
| Oct-Dec 2020 | 14,634 |
| Jan-Mar 2021 | 14,131 |
| Apr-Jun 2021 | 15,206 |
| Jul-Sep 2021 | 15,103 |
| Oct-Dec 2021 | 15,000 |
| Jan-Mar 2022 | 15,354 |
| Apr-Jun 2022 | 15,941 |
| Jul-Sep 2022 | 15,810 |
| Oct-Dec 2022 | 16,411 |
| Jan-Mar 2023 | 17,128 |
| Apr-Jun 2023 | 17,430 |
| Jul-Sep 2023 | 19,028 |
| Oct-Dec 2023 | 17,242 |
| Jan-Mar 2024 | 18,344 |
| Apr - Jun 2024 | 18,478 |
| Jul-Sep 2024 | 18,805 |
Jul-Sep 2024
18,805
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Prison population
Total number of prisoners at a specific point in time each year.
The time period for this measure refers to a single reference value or snapshot, in this case the population on a single day, rather than a duration such as 3 months or a year.
| Period | Prison population |
|---|---|
| 30-Jun-2002 | 71,218 |
| 30-Jun-2003 | 73,657 |
| 30-Jun-2004 | 74,488 |
| 30-Jun-2005 | 76,190 |
| 30-Jun-2006 | 77,982 |
| 30-Jun-2007 | 79,734 |
| 30-Jun-2008 | 83,194 |
| 30-Jun-2009 | 83,391 |
| 30-Jun-2010 | 85,002 |
| 30-Jun-2011 | 85,374 |
| 30-Jun-2012 | 86,048 |
| 30-Jun-2013 | 83,842 |
| 30-Jun-2014 | 85,509 |
| 30-Jun-2015 | 86,193 |
| 30-Jun-2016 | 85,134 |
| 30-Jun-2017 | 85,863 |
| 30-Jun-2018 | 82,773 |
| 30-Jun-2019 | 82,710 |
| 30-Jun-2020 | 79,514 |
| 30-Jun-2021 | 78,324 |
| 30-Jun-2022 | 80,659 |
| 30-Jun-2023 | 85,851 |
| 30-Jun-2024 | 87,726 |
30-Jun-2024
87,726
Update 31 Dec 2024
The prison population at 31 Dec 2024 was 85,372.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Prison population by sex
Values:
- Male: 84,043 prisoners
- Female: 3,683 prisoners
For the source of this information and more details please refer to the publication: Offender management statistics quarterly
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
30 June 2024
Prison population by age
30 June 2024 total
87,726 prisoners
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Prison population by offence group
Prison population under an immediate custodial sentence by offence group. Excludes remand and non-criminal prisoners.
| Prison population by offence group | Count |
|---|---|
| Violence against the person | 22,812 |
| Sexual offences | 14,437 |
| Robbery | 5,687 |
| Theft offences | 6,387 |
| Criminal damage and arson | 942 |
| Drug offences | 11,739 |
| Possession of weapons | 2,410 |
| Public order offences | 1,455 |
| Miscellaneous crimes against society | 2,404 |
| Fraud offences | 642 |
| Summary non-motoring | 853 |
| Summary motoring | 195 |
| Offence not recorded | 262 |
30 June 2024 total
70,225
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Prison releases (quarterly)
A release is defined as a release from prison where the prisoner has finished serving the custodial term of their sentence(s) and excludes:
- civil non-criminal prisoners;
- persons committed to custody for non-payment of a fine;
- releases to hospital;
- deported prisoners from HMPPS operated Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs); and
- releases following recall after release on licence, except occasions:
- where the offender has committed a new offence and is committed to custody for a new sentence and the subsequent release date falls after the sentence expiry date of the original sentence; or
- where upon release the offender is subject to the licence condition of the new custodial sentence.
| Period | Prison releases (quarterly) |
|---|---|
| Jan-Mar 2015 | 17,797 |
| Apr-Jun 2015 | 18,526 |
| Jul-Sep 2015 | 18,880 |
| Oct-Dec 2015 | 19,348 |
| Jan-Mar 2016 | 17,923 |
| Apr-Jun 2016 | 18,562 |
| Jul-Sep 2016 | 18,714 |
| Oct-Dec 2016 | 18,361 |
| Jan-Mar 2017 | 17,639 |
| Apr-Jun 2017 | 17,763 |
| Jul-Sep 2017 | 17,897 |
| Oct-Dec 2017 | 18,196 |
| Jan-Mar 2018 | 17,904 |
| Apr-Jun 2018 | 17,369 |
| Jul-Sep 2018 | 17,136 |
| Oct-Dec 2018 | 17,215 |
| Jan-Mar 2019 | 15,432 |
| Apr-Jun 2019 | 15,708 |
| Jul-Sep 2019 | 15,699 |
| Oct-Dec 2019 | 15,931 |
| Jan-Mar 2020 | 14,721 |
| Apr-Jun 2020 | 13,290 |
| Jul-Sep 2020 | 12,526 |
| Oct-Dec 2020 | 12,716 |
| Jan-Mar 2021 | 11,419 |
| Apr-Jun 2021 | 11,623 |
| Jul-Sep 2021 | 11,750 |
| Oct - Dec 2021 | 12,222 |
| Jan - Mar 2022 | 11,324 |
| Apr - Jun 2022 | 11,478 |
| Jul - Sep 2022 | 11,999 |
| Oct - Dec 2022 | 12,003 |
| Jan - Mar 2023 | 11,887 |
| Apr - Jun 2023 | 12,132 |
| Jul - Sep 2023 | 12,351 |
| Oct - Dec 2023 | 12,764 |
| Jan - Mar 2024 | 13,289 |
| Apr - Jun 2024 | 13,338 |
| Jul-Sep 2024 | 14,920 |
Jul-Sep 2024
14,920
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Individuals released on temporary licence
Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) is the mechanism under which offenders may be released into the community, generally towards the end of their sentences, for rehabilitative purposes. It can play an important role in public protection by allowing risk management plans for offenders to be tested in the community under strict conditions before they are released. It also provides a valuable means of helping offenders prepare for their resettlement in the community by, for example, finding work or rebuilding links with their families, which helps to reduce reoffending.
These figures show the number of individuals released on temporary licence at least once in the quarter. Some individuals may be released multiple times within the quarter or over multiple quarters. Therefore, it is not possible to sum multiple quarters together to find the number of releases on temporary licence over a longer period.
| Period | Individuals released on temporary licence |
|---|---|
| Apr-Jun 2015 | 3,668 |
| Jul-Sep 2015 | 3,521 |
| Oct-Dec 2015 | 3,514 |
| Jan-Mar 2016 | 3,546 |
| Apr-Jun 2016 | 3,685 |
| Jul-Sep 2016 | 3,879 |
| Oct-Dec 2016 | 3,985 |
| Jan-Mar 2017 | 4,019 |
| Apr-Jun 2017 | 4,023 |
| Jul-Sep 2017 | 4,044 |
| Oct-Dec 2017 | 4,127 |
| Jan-Mar 2018 | 4,098 |
| Apr-Jun 2018 | 4,185 |
| Jul-Sep 2018 | 4,323 |
| Oct-Dec 2018 | 4,283 |
| Jan-Mar 2019 | 4,284 |
| Apr-Jun 2019 | 4,534 |
| Jul-Sep 2019 | 5,134 |
| Oct-Dec 2019 | 5,280 |
| Jan-Mar 2020 | 4,957 |
| Apr-Jun 2020 | 794 |
| Jul-Sep 2020 | 1,617 |
| Oct-Dec 2020 | 2,189 |
| Jan-Mar 2021 | 1,067 |
| Apr-Jun 2021 | 3,026 |
| Jul-Sep 2021 | 3,712 |
| Oct-Dec 2021 | 4,082 |
| Jan - Mar 2022 | 3,984 |
| Apr - Jun 2022 | 4,127 |
| Jul - Sep 2022 | 4,257 |
| Oct - Dec 2022 | 4,255 |
| Jan - Mar 2023 | 4,234 |
| Apr - Jun 2023 | 4,282 |
| Jul - Sep 2023 | 4,520 |
| Oct - Dec 2023 | 4,508 |
| Jan-Mar 2024 | 4,489 |
| Apr - Jun 2024 | 4,512 |
| Jul-Sep 2024 | 4,388 |
Jul-Sep 2024
4,388
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Prison type - male / female
Prisons count by male, female and children (under 18 years old) establishments.
Peterborough Female and Peterborough Male are counted as two establishments, but are managed under a single contract.
Oakhill Secure Training Centre is listed in the linked publication but not counted here as a prison.
Values:
- Male: 107 prisons
- Female: 12 prisons
- Under 18: 4 prisons
For the source of this information and more details please refer to the publication: Prisons and their resettlement providers
Published: 24 January 2024.
February 2024
Prison type - public / private
Prisons count by ownership.
Note that Peterborough Female and Peterborough Male are counted as two establishments, but are managed under a single contract. Therefore the number of private prison contracts is one fewer than the number of private prisons shown here.
Oakhill Secure Training Centre is listed in the linked publication but not counted here as a prison.
Values:
- Public sector: 107 prisons
- Private sector (contracted): 16 prisons
For the source of this information and more details please refer to the publication: Prisons and their resettlement providers
Published: 24 January 2024.
February 2024
Prison operational capacity
The operational capacity of a prison is the total number of prisoners that an establishment can hold taking into account control, security and the proper operation of the planned regime.
This measure reports the useable operational capacity of the estate, which is the sum of all establishments' operational capacity less an operating margin. Figures are taken on the last working Friday of June each year, meaning the time period refers to this single day.
Jun 2024
88,818
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Prison population statistics (annual) publication.
Publication date
Published: 25 July 2024.
Prison staff in post (bands 3-5)
The chart shows Band 3-5 prison officer staff (full time equivalent) at the end of each financial year.
| Period | Prison staff in post (bands 3-5) |
|---|---|
| March 2010 | 24,830 |
| March 2011 | 24,369 |
| March 2012 | 22,735 |
| March 2013 | 21,506 |
| March 2014 | 18,251 |
| March 2015 | 18,222 |
| March 2016 | 18,327 |
| March 2017 | 18,359 |
| March 2018 | 21,007 |
| March 2019 | 22,594 |
| March 2020 | 21,900 |
| March 2021 | 21,879 |
| March 2022 | 21,935 |
| March 2023 | 22,218 |
| March 2024 | 23,614 |
March 2024
23,614
Update 31-Dec-2024
At 31 Dec 2024 there were 23,062 Band 3-5 FTE officers in post.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison & Probation Service workforce quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 20 February 2025. Next publication: 15 May 2025 9:30am.
Safety and security
Crowding
Percentage of prisoners held in crowded accommodation.
| Period | Crowding |
|---|---|
| Apr 1998 to Mar 2099 | 20.0% |
| Apr 1999 to Mar 2000 | 20.1% |
| Apr 2000 to Mar 2001 | 18.2% |
| Apr 2001 to Mar 2002 | 19.2% |
| Apr 2002 to Mar 2003 | 23.3% |
| Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 | 24.8% |
| Apr 2004 to Mar 2005 | 24.3% |
| Apr 2005 to Mar 2006 | 24.0% |
| Apr 2006 to Mar 2007 | 24.6% |
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 25.3% |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 25.3% |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 24.6% |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 24.2% |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 25.1% |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 23.9% |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 24.1% |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 25.5% |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 24.5% |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 24.5% |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 24.2% |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 22.5% |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 22.5% |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 20.2% |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 20.6% |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 22.9% |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 23.6% |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
23.6%
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest publication.
Publication date
Published: 25 July 2024.
Prisoner on prisoner assaults per 1,000 prisoners
Assaults in prison custody cover a wide range of violent incidents including fights between prisoners.
From time to time, events in prison custody and developments within and outside the Ministry of Justice have changed the way safety in prisons is viewed and managed. Some have resulted in changes to the way offenders are managed, others have affected the way statistics are collected and reported.
| Period | Prisoner on prisoner assaults per 1,000 prisoners |
|---|---|
| Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 | 123 |
| Apr 2004 to Mar 2005 | 131 |
| Apr 2005 to Mar 2006 | 146 |
| Apr 2006 to Mar 2007 | 144 |
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 154 |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 153 |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 142 |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 134 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 134 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 130 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 138 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 152 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 195 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 227 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 262 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 277 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 250 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 140 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 163 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 185 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 217 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
217
Update Sep 2024
In the 12 months to Sep 2024 there were 226 prisoner on prisoner assaults per 1,000 prisoners.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Safety in custody statistics (quarterly) publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Assaults on staff per 1,000 prisoners
Assaults in prison custody cover a wide range of violent incidents including attacks on staff.
From time to time, events in prison custody and developments within and outside Ministry of Justice have changed the way safety in prisons is viewed and managed. Some have resulted in changes to the way offenders are managed, others have affected the way statistics are collected and reported.
| Period | Assaults on staff per 1,000 prisoners |
|---|---|
| Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 | 38 |
| Apr 2004 to Mar 2005 | 42 |
| Apr 2005 to Mar 2006 | 45 |
| Apr 2006 to Mar 2007 | 43 |
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 40 |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 39 |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 36 |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 34 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 34 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 35 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 40 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 46 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 63 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 84 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 106 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 117 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 109 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 89 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 97 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 92 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 114 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
114
Update Sep 2024
In the 12 months to Sep 2024 there were 120 assaults on staff per 1,000 prisoners.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Safety in custody statistics (quarterly) publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Self-harm incidents per 1,000 prisoners
Self-harm in prison covers a wide range of severity and type of incident, including cutting, overdose or hanging.
| Period | Self-harm incidents per 1,000 prisoners |
|---|---|
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 278 |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 312 |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 297 |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 310 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 267 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 266 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 278 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 320 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 404 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 474 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 549 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 700 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 768 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 660 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 684 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 733 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 852 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
852
Update Sep 2024
In the 12 months to Sep 2024 there were 891 self-harm incidents per 1,000 prisoners.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Safety in custody statistics (quarterly) publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Self inflicted deaths
The number of self inflicted deaths in prisons.
As classification of deaths may change following inquest or as new information emerges, numbers may change from time to time. Please see the most recent publication for the most up to date figures.
Self-inflicted death statistics are typically reported one quarter ahead of other measures, so to maintain consistency, the values and dates presented reflect data from the previous quarter.
| Period | Self inflicted deaths |
|---|---|
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 54 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 67 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 63 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 90 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 79 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 103 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 116 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 74 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 88 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 83 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 80 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 79 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 85 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 85 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
85
Update Sep 2024
In the 12 months to Sep 2024 there were 88 self-inflicted deaths.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Safety in custody statistics (quarterly) publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Random mandatory drug testing (traditional drugs)
The percentage of random mandatory drug tests which show drugs to be present, hence a downward trend is positive. This measure excludes tests for new psychoactive substances.
The values for 2018/19 onwards are calculated using a new weighted methodology - please refer to the HMPPS Annual Digest 2018 to 2019 for more details.
| Period | Random mandatory drug testing (traditional drugs) |
|---|---|
| Apr 1998 to Mar 1999 | 18.1 % |
| Apr 1999 to Mar 2000 | 14.4 % |
| Apr 2000 to Mar 2001 | 12.0 % |
| Apr 2001 to Mar 2002 | 11.4 % |
| Apr 2002 to Mar 2003 | 11.4 % |
| Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 | 12.3 % |
| Apr 2004 to Mar 2005 | 11.8 % |
| Apr 2005 to Mar 2006 | 10.3 % |
| Apr 2006 to Mar 2007 | 8.8 % |
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 9.1 % |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 7.7 % |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 7.8 % |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 7.1 % |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 7.0 % |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 7.2 % |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 7.5 % |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 7.0 % |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 7.8 % |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 9.3 % |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 10.9 % |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 10.4 % |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 10.5 % |
Apr 2019 to Mar 2020
10.5 %
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest publication.
Publication date
Published: 25 July 2024.
Barricades or prevention of access
The number of incidents where one or more offenders deny access to all or part of a prison to those lawfully empowered to have such access, by use of a physical barrier.
| Period | Barricades or prevention of access |
|---|---|
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 521 |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 524 |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 446 |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 430 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 554 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 475 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 669 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 929 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 1,229 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 1,320 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 1,406 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 1,737 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 1,882 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 1,217 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 1,273 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 1,371 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 1,827 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
1,827
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest publication.
Publication date
Published: 25 July 2024.
Safety Audit/Risk Management Audit
An announced audit to determine how effectively the prison is assessing and managing risks of violence and self-harm.
The audit is carried out approximately every three to four years. The data presented here shows the most recent assessment for each prison establishment. The Safety Audit has now replaced the Risk Management Audit, however, in those prisons where a Safety Audit has not taken place yet, the Risk Management Audit score is used.
Values:
- 4 - Outstanding performance: 3 prisons
- 3 - Good performance: 57 prisons
- 2 - Performance of concern: 32 prisons
- 1 - Performance of serious concern: 1 prisons
For the source of this information and more details please refer to the publication: Prison performance ratings (annual)
1 - Performance of serious concern
Escapes from prison establishments and escorts
A prisoner escapes from prison if they unlawfully gain their liberty (for 15 minutes or more) by breaching the secure perimeter of a closed prison, or if during prison staff escort, overcome the control of escorting staff and leave the escort, the van or the building (hospital etc.). Those who escape for less than 15 minutes and commit an offence are also recorded as an escape.
Escapes are monitored to analyse the frequency across the estate and identify any trends nationally, also taking into consideration the management of risk to the public.
This total consists of escapes from establishments, HMPPS escorts, contractor escorts and includes escapes by Category A prisoners. For a further breakdown please see the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest.
| Period | Escapes from prison establishments and escorts |
|---|---|
| Apr 1995 to Mar 1996 | 125 |
| Apr 1996 to Mar 1997 | 131 |
| Apr 1997 to Mar 1998 | 105 |
| Apr 1998 to Mar 1999 | 90 |
| Apr 1999 to Mar 2000 | 97 |
| Apr 2000 to Mar 2001 | 77 |
| Apr 2001 to Mar 2002 | 66 |
| Apr 2002 to Mar 2003 | 51 |
| Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 | 49 |
| Apr 2004 to Mar 2005 | 48 |
| Apr 2005 to Mar 2006 | 28 |
| Apr 2006 to Mar 2007 | 27 |
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 22 |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 20 |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 17 |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 12 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 18 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 11 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 13 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 13 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 13 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 15 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 13 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 9 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 16 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 5 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 12 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 8 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 9 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
9
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest publication.
Publication date
Published: 25 July 2024.
Absconds
An abscond is an escape that does not involve overcoming a physical security restraint such as that provided by a wall or fence, locks, bolts or bars, a secure vehicle, handcuffs or the direct supervision of staff.
Absconds are monitored to analyse the frequency across the open estate and identify any trends nationally also taking into consideration, the management of risk to the public. It is only possible to abscond from open prison conditions.
| Period | Absconds |
|---|---|
| Apr 1995 to Mar 1996 | 956 |
| Apr 1996 to Mar 1997 | 1,115 |
| Apr 1997 to Mar 1998 | 1,056 |
| Apr 1998 to Mar 1999 | 965 |
| Apr 1999 to Mar 2000 | 907 |
| Apr 2000 to Mar 2001 | 787 |
| Apr 2001 to Mar 2002 | 781 |
| Apr 2002 to Mar 2003 | 947 |
| Apr 2003 to Mar 2004 | 1,301 |
| Apr 2004 to Mar 2005 | 870 |
| Apr 2005 to Mar 2006 | 709 |
| Apr 2006 to Mar 2007 | 553 |
| Apr 2007 to Mar 2008 | 511 |
| Apr 2008 to Mar 2009 | 361 |
| Apr 2009 to Mar 2010 | 269 |
| Apr 2010 to Mar 2011 | 235 |
| Apr 2011 to Mar 2012 | 175 |
| Apr 2012 to Mar 2013 | 204 |
| Apr 2013 to Mar 2014 | 225 |
| Apr 2014 to Mar 2015 | 181 |
| Apr 2015 to Mar 2016 | 105 |
| Apr 2016 to Mar 2017 | 86 |
| Apr 2017 to Mar 2018 | 139 |
| Apr 2018 to Mar 2019 | 117 |
| Apr 2019 to Mar 2020 | 143 |
| Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 | 101 |
| Apr 2021 to Mar 2022 | 95 |
| Apr 2022 to Mar 2023 | 63 |
| Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 | 58 |
Apr 2023 to Mar 2024
58
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison and Probation Service annual digest publication.
Publication date
Published: 25 July 2024.
Security audit
An internal audit that assesses, on a four point scale, the level to which effective security procedures are adhered to within each prison.
There is no structured frequency for how often the security audit takes place, with the exception of long term high security prison establishments which are audited annually. The data presented here shows the most recent assessment for each prison establishment.
Values:
- 4 - Outstanding performance: 31 prisons
- 3 - Good performance: 64 prisons
- 2 - Performance of concern: 17 prisons
- 1 - Performance of serious concern: 6 prisons
For the source of this information and more details please refer to the publication: Prison performance ratings (annual)
Published: 25 July 2024. Next publication: 31 July 2025 9:30am.
1 - Performance of serious concern
Community management
Electronic monitoring caseload
Total caseload.
31 March 2024
20,084
Update Jun 2024
As at June 2024, the total caseload was 20,893.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Electronic Monitoring Statistics Publication publication.
Publication date
Published: 18 July 2024.
Probation caseload
The statistics count each person once for each type of probation supervision being received on the date shown. In addition, each person is counted once only in each total or sub-total even if they are subject to several types of probation supervision on the date shown. For example, if a person is subject to both a community order and a Supervision Default Order on the date shown, then the person would be counted once only within the overall total for all supervision.
| Period | Probation caseload |
|---|---|
| 30 Jun 2010 | 239,041 |
| 30 Jun 2011 | 236,154 |
| 30 Jun 2012 | 230,736 |
| 30 Jun 2013 | 219,548 |
| 30 Jun 2014 | 217,866 |
| 30 Jun 2015 | 228,844 |
| 30 Jun 2016 | 258,748 |
| 30 Jun 2017 | 262,347 |
| 30 Sep 2017 | 265,047 |
| 31 Dec 2017 | 264,649 |
| 31 Mar 2018 | 262,758 |
| 30 Jun 2018 | 261,196 |
| 30 Sep 2018 | 258,157 |
| 31 Dec 2018 | 256,010 |
| 31 Mar 2019 | 255,264 |
| 30 Jun 2019 | 254,165 |
| 30 Sep 2019 | 252,197 |
| 31 Dec 2019 | 247,759 |
| 31 Mar 2020 | 241,350 |
| 30 Jun 2020 | 224,587 |
| 30 Sep 2020 | 222,657 |
| 31 Dec 2020 | 223,973 |
| 31 Mar 2021 | 224,174 |
| 30 Jun 2021 | 230,578 |
| 30 Sep 2021 | 234,827 |
| 31 Dec 2021 | 238,500 |
| 31 Mar 2022 | 240,922 |
| 30 Jun 2022 | 243,127 |
| 30 Sep 2022 | 240,674 |
| 31 Dec 2022 | 240,431 |
| 31 Mar 2023 | 239,518 |
| 30 Jun 2023 | 238,264 |
| 30 Sep 2023 | 238,163 |
| 31 Dec 2023 | 238,765 |
| 31 Mar 2024 | 238,993 |
| 30 Jun 2024 | 238,646 |
| 30 Sep 2024 | 240,497 |
30 Sep 2024
240,497
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Offender management statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 30 January 2025. Next publication: 24 April 2025 9:30am.
Staff in post (Probation Service)
Full time equivalent staff in post for the Probation Service (PS) at the end of each financial year. (Workforce data for private sector Community Rehabilitation Companies is not published).
During November and December 2019, over 1,200 PS staff moved to the Community and Interventions directorate, part of HMPPS HQ and areas services. In the same quarter, over 300 staff in Wales were transferred from privately run CRCs to HMPPS, into the new "PS Wales UM transition".
In late June 2021, more than 7,000 staff from private sector Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) came together with probation staff already in the public sector in the new Probation Service.
March 2024
20,412
Update 31-Dec-2024
At 31 Dec 2024 there were 20,555 FTE staff in post.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the HM Prison & Probation Service workforce quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 20 February 2025. Next publication: 15 May 2025 9:30am.
Serious further offence convictions
SFO conviction figures are reported by the date of SFO notification. This is the date on which the supervising probation region notifies HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) that an offender under its supervision has appeared in court charged with an offence which qualifies for an SFO review.
| Period | Serious further offence convictions |
|---|---|
| Apr 2010 - Mar 2011 | 260 |
| Apr 2011 - Mar 2012 | 253 |
| Apr 2012 - Mar 2013 | 269 |
| Apr 2013 - Mar 2014 | 274 |
| Apr 2014 - Mar 2015 | 255 |
| Apr 2015 - Mar 2016 | 302 |
| Apr 2016 - Mar 2017 | 348 |
| Apr 2017 - Mar 2018 | 357 |
| Apr 2018 - Mar 2019 | 346 |
| Apr 2019 - Mar 2020 | 324 |
| Apr 2020 - Mar 2021 | 270 |
| Apr 2021 - Mar 2022 | 296 |
| Apr 2022 - Mar 2023 | 287 |
Apr 2022 - Mar 2023
287
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Proven reoffending statistics (annual) publication.
Publication date
Published: 31 October 2024. Next publication: 30 October 2025 9:30am.