In this lockup, inhibitions were forgotten and passions ran rampant.
Eighteen female prison guards and staff members were either dismissed or chose to resign due to their involvement in inappropriate behavior, such as hookups with inmates, at a UK men’s correctional facility that is known for its ‘cushy’ environment. Reports from the United Kingdom have confirmed this information.
Since 2017, the UK’s biggest male prison – HMP Berwyn – has been plagued with criminal activities that have resulted in three women being sentenced to incarceration. This information was uncovered through documents obtained by a joint investigation conducted by the BBC and The Mirror.
Captivated by the criminal’s charm, correctional officer Jennifer Gavan was enticed to accept money in order to sneak a phone into prison so they could send each other intimate photos. This scandalous information was reported on by the Mirror.
Last year, she pleaded guilty to misconduct and was sentenced to eight months in prison.
During court proceedings, Yahoo! News revealed that she also clandestinely smuggled in a pair of undies for the inmate tucked away inside her brassiere.
Gunn and Watson received custodial sentences for their crimes.
A total of 18 women were at the center of a sensational incident that occurred in the 2,000-person capacity arena. Those implicated included onsite operatives and staff representatives from associated entities such as rehabilitation programs, according to BBC’s reportage.
The head of the Prison Officers’ Association argued that these unwanted sexual encounters were occurring solely due to the employment of the “wrong kind of women”, according to the Mirror.
“Staff being recruited don’t have face-to-face interviews,” Mark Fairhurst said. “It’s all done on Zoom.”
“A lot of people getting these jobs don’t have enough life experience and are susceptible to conditioning from prisoners,” he added.
In order to preserve the integrity of its exemplary service, HM Prison Service pledged to increase training and eradicate guards “who undermine our exemplary service,” according to the BBC.
The agency said it would not “tolerate those few officers who think they are above the law.”
“That’s why our newly bolstered Counter Corruption Team is working around the clock to root out and clamp down on those who undermine our exemplary service with their dangerous behaviour and ensure they face the strongest possible consequences for their crimes,” the HM Prison Service said.
Statistics compiled by the Mirror demonstrate that, since 2019, 31 female officers have been discharged in England and Wales due to their improper interactions.
Over the past 18 months, more than 500 employees at the prison have been provided with anti-corruption training to help combat unethical practices.
As the Mirror reported, HMP Berwyn has earned a reputation for its exemplary conditions and was dubbed the “cushiest” jail in the United Kingdom.
Rather than being confined by bars, the cells provide inmates with amenities such as televisions, laptops, and phones.
According to the Daily Mail, inmates at this prison have access to a sports hall, fitness room, and outdoor area for recreation.
Additionally, educational programs are provided.
