Within the walls of the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility – ADX Florence, a chillingly quiet world exists. It’s a place designed to hold the most dangerous individuals, a “supermax” prison that has prompted a critical review of the UK’s own handling of high-risk inmates.
A recent government assessment highlighted an “urgent” need for reform within British prisons, spurred by escalating violence and the challenges of containing extremist ideologies. The catalyst? A disturbing incident involving Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomber, accused of attacking prison officers with scalding oil.
The proposed solution centers around replicating a tiered separation system, similar to that observed at ADX Florence. This system isn’t simply about isolation; it’s about carefully calibrated restrictions, ranging from the most extreme solitary confinement to transitional units designed to slowly reintegrate inmates – if possible – into the general population.
Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, was struck by the effectiveness of this tiered approach during a visit to Colorado. The facility houses violent gang members, but crucially, keeps rival factions separated, minimizing internal conflict and potential for further violence.
However, seasoned former prison officers are deeply skeptical. They dismiss the reforms as “absolute lunacy,” arguing they fail to address the fundamental issue: the surprising freedoms afforded to even the most dangerous prisoners within the UK system.
“Nothing can stop prisoners from making weapons out of toilet brushes and toothbrushes,” one ex-guard revealed, speaking from experience across multiple maximum-security facilities. “They are already on separation wings, yet many enjoy the same privileges as those in the general population – just in isolation.”
The case of Hashem Abedi exemplifies this concern. Despite his role in the Manchester bombing, he was housed on a separate wing, requiring a constant three-person watch to prevent radicalization. This intensive supervision, critics argue, is a drain on resources and doesn’t guarantee safety.
The situation is further complicated by a surge in attacks on prison staff. In the year leading up to September 2024, nearly 30,000 assaults occurred within prison walls, with over 10,000 specifically targeting officers – an average of almost 30 attacks per day.
Former guards point to budget cuts and a loss of experienced personnel as key drivers of this escalating violence. A deteriorating regime, coupled with understaffing, has created an environment where prisoners feel emboldened and discipline has eroded.
One former guard at HMP Manchester described a dramatic shift, recalling a structured environment replaced by “an absolute car crash” after 2015. He believes prisoners are now effectively running the jails, spending excessive time locked in their cells, fueling frustration and unrest.
The proposed “supermax” prisons, while intended to address these issues, are viewed with apprehension. Concerns are raised that larger separation units could inadvertently facilitate communication between extremists, amplifying the very problem they aim to solve.
The realities of prison life are brutal. One former officer, who requested anonymity, recounted harrowing experiences: being punched, kicked, and even doused with boiling urine. He witnessed a colleague stabbed in the neck during a transfer, ultimately leading him to leave the profession.
“The whole thing feels like a vanity move,” he stated bluntly. “The system is too pro-prisoner. We need stricter conditions and, crucially, more funding to recruit and train qualified guards.”
The implementation of these supermax facilities is still years away, with the earliest estimate being 2028. But the urgency of the situation is undeniable, as highlighted by the attack at HMP Frankland and the growing threat to prison staff.
The government insists its response will be “decisive and determined,” aiming to strengthen security, protect staff, and bolster the UK’s counter-terrorism infrastructure within the prison system. The challenge lies in translating these intentions into effective, lasting change.
