Russell Webster
@russellwebster.com
Researcher, evaluator, consultant & writer in drugs, alcohol & criminal justice. My blog keeps you up-to-date on the latest policy, practice and research.
Unpacking prisoner property: A hidden source of conflict and complaint.
A key findings paper from @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
A key findings paper from @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk
February 10, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Unpacking prisoner property: A hidden source of conflict and complaint.
A key findings paper from @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
A key findings paper from @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Serco accused of ‘petty and vindictive’ removal of artwork from court cells
Government contractor stripped custody suites of motivational murals, Lay Observers report says
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/feb...
Government contractor stripped custody suites of motivational murals, Lay Observers report says
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/feb...
Serco accused of ‘petty and vindictive’ removal of artwork from court cells
Government contractor stripped custody suites in England and Wales of motivational murals, report says
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Serco accused of ‘petty and vindictive’ removal of artwork from court cells
Government contractor stripped custody suites of motivational murals, Lay Observers report says
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/feb...
Government contractor stripped custody suites of motivational murals, Lay Observers report says
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/feb...
There are 87,312 people in prison today, an increase of just 63 on last week.
February 9, 2026 at 11:23 AM
There are 87,312 people in prison today, an increase of just 63 on last week.
Synthetic opioids may have caused hundreds more UK deaths than thought
Study find nitazenes, which are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, can degrade significantly in portmortem blood samples
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Study find nitazenes, which are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, can degrade significantly in portmortem blood samples
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Synthetic opioids may have caused hundreds more UK deaths than thought
Study find nitazenes, which are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, can degrade significantly in portmortem blood samples
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Synthetic opioids may have caused hundreds more UK deaths than thought
Study find nitazenes, which are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, can degrade significantly in portmortem blood samples
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Study find nitazenes, which are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, can degrade significantly in portmortem blood samples
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
HMYOI Wetherby inspection
Levels of self-harm and violence were high and too few children said they felt cared for.
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Levels of self-harm and violence were high and too few children said they felt cared for.
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk
February 9, 2026 at 8:02 AM
HMYOI Wetherby inspection
Levels of self-harm and violence were high and too few children said they felt cared for.
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Levels of self-harm and violence were high and too few children said they felt cared for.
@hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Prisons & health struggle with rapidly changing drug threats
NAO report says prison and health services need to work more effectively in partnership
www.russellwebster.com/prisons-heal...
NAO report says prison and health services need to work more effectively in partnership
www.russellwebster.com/prisons-heal...
Prisons & health struggle with rapidly changing drug threats
National Audit Office report says prison and health services are struggling to battle rapidly changing drug threats.
www.russellwebster.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Prisons & health struggle with rapidly changing drug threats
NAO report says prison and health services need to work more effectively in partnership
www.russellwebster.com/prisons-heal...
NAO report says prison and health services need to work more effectively in partnership
www.russellwebster.com/prisons-heal...
Justice That Works: Report of the Scottish Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission
The Scotitsh equivalent of the sentencing review but with a wider remit covering early interventions too
www.gov.scot/publications...
The Scotitsh equivalent of the sentencing review but with a wider remit covering early interventions too
www.gov.scot/publications...
Justice That Works: Report of the Scottish Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission
The final report and recommendations of the independent Commission on Sentencing and Penal Policy.
www.gov.scot
February 6, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Justice That Works: Report of the Scottish Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission
The Scotitsh equivalent of the sentencing review but with a wider remit covering early interventions too
www.gov.scot/publications...
The Scotitsh equivalent of the sentencing review but with a wider remit covering early interventions too
www.gov.scot/publications...
The probation service is teetering on the brink -
Public Accounts Committee report says staff are working under immense pressure in a seemingly toxic environment, in a culture built on emotional strain and trauma
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
Public Accounts Committee report says staff are working under immense pressure in a seemingly toxic environment, in a culture built on emotional strain and trauma
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
The probation service is teetering on the brink
Public Accounts Committee report into the efficiency and resilience of the probation service says it is teetering on the brink
www.russellwebster.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:14 AM
The probation service is teetering on the brink -
Public Accounts Committee report says staff are working under immense pressure in a seemingly toxic environment, in a culture built on emotional strain and trauma
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
Public Accounts Committee report says staff are working under immense pressure in a seemingly toxic environment, in a culture built on emotional strain and trauma
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
www.russellwebster.com/the-probatio...
Government will work with children to create the first ever child-friendly version of the Victims' Code
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Children to get swifter justice thanks to renewed Victims’ Code
Government will work with children to create the first ever child-friendly version of the Victims' Code
www.gov.uk
February 5, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Government will work with children to create the first ever child-friendly version of the Victims' Code
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
10 New Prison Facts From The Winter 2025/6 Bromley Briefing
@prtuk.bsky.social prison factfile shows indicators on safety, use of force, purposeful activity and overcrowding all deteriorating significantly in the past two years.
www.russellwebster.com/10-new-priso...
@prtuk.bsky.social prison factfile shows indicators on safety, use of force, purposeful activity and overcrowding all deteriorating significantly in the past two years.
www.russellwebster.com/10-new-priso...
10 New Prison Facts From The Winter 2025/6 Bromley Briefing
Prison Reform Trust Bromley Briefing shows indicators on safety, use of force, purposeful activity and overcrowding all deteriorating significantly in the past two years.
www.russellwebster.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:35 AM
10 New Prison Facts From The Winter 2025/6 Bromley Briefing
@prtuk.bsky.social prison factfile shows indicators on safety, use of force, purposeful activity and overcrowding all deteriorating significantly in the past two years.
www.russellwebster.com/10-new-priso...
@prtuk.bsky.social prison factfile shows indicators on safety, use of force, purposeful activity and overcrowding all deteriorating significantly in the past two years.
www.russellwebster.com/10-new-priso...
Justice delayed is justice denied
Part II of Brian Leveson's Court Review makes recommendations about court efficiency including more remote hearings.
www.russellwebster.com/justice-dela...
Part II of Brian Leveson's Court Review makes recommendations about court efficiency including more remote hearings.
www.russellwebster.com/justice-dela...
Justice delayed is justice denied
Part II of Brian Leveson's Court Review makes recommendations about court efficiency including more remote hearings.
www.russellwebster.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Justice delayed is justice denied
Part II of Brian Leveson's Court Review makes recommendations about court efficiency including more remote hearings.
www.russellwebster.com/justice-dela...
Part II of Brian Leveson's Court Review makes recommendations about court efficiency including more remote hearings.
www.russellwebster.com/justice-dela...
‘Supermax-style units’ for most dangerous criminals to be introduced in England and Wales
David Lammy also tells MPs he will draw up legislation to stop prisoners using human rights laws to challenge tougher conditions
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
David Lammy also tells MPs he will draw up legislation to stop prisoners using human rights laws to challenge tougher conditions
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
‘Supermax-style units’ for most dangerous criminals to be introduced in England and Wales
David Lammy also tells MPs he will draw up legislation to stop prisoners using human rights laws to challenge tougher conditions
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:43 AM
‘Supermax-style units’ for most dangerous criminals to be introduced in England and Wales
David Lammy also tells MPs he will draw up legislation to stop prisoners using human rights laws to challenge tougher conditions
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
David Lammy also tells MPs he will draw up legislation to stop prisoners using human rights laws to challenge tougher conditions
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
New prison houseblocks under construction at MP Northumberland
Prison will gain four new houseblocks, boosting its capacity by 240 places
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Prison will gain four new houseblocks, boosting its capacity by 240 places
www.gov.uk/government/n...
New prison houseblocks under construction to keep streets safe
HMP Northumberland will gain four new houseblocks, boosting its capacity by 240 places, in the latest Government step to make streets safer.
www.gov.uk
February 3, 2026 at 4:08 PM
New prison houseblocks under construction at MP Northumberland
Prison will gain four new houseblocks, boosting its capacity by 240 places
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Prison will gain four new houseblocks, boosting its capacity by 240 places
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Why probation officers quit - or stick it out
New research by @Nicola Carr, Harry Annison, Lol Burke Matt Millings & Gwen Robinson looks at the complex reasons why people leave or stay working in the probation service
www.russellwebster.com/why-probatio...
New research by @Nicola Carr, Harry Annison, Lol Burke Matt Millings & Gwen Robinson looks at the complex reasons why people leave or stay working in the probation service
www.russellwebster.com/why-probatio...
Why probation officers quit – or stick it out
New research looks at the complex reasons why people leave or stay working in the probation service
www.russellwebster.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Why probation officers quit - or stick it out
New research by @Nicola Carr, Harry Annison, Lol Burke Matt Millings & Gwen Robinson looks at the complex reasons why people leave or stay working in the probation service
www.russellwebster.com/why-probatio...
New research by @Nicola Carr, Harry Annison, Lol Burke Matt Millings & Gwen Robinson looks at the complex reasons why people leave or stay working in the probation service
www.russellwebster.com/why-probatio...
There are 87,249 people in prison today, an increase of just 37 on last week.
February 2, 2026 at 12:20 PM
There are 87,249 people in prison today, an increase of just 37 on last week.
HMP Whitemoor inspection
Whitemoor was doing a difficult job reasonably well but the daily routine was inadequate.
via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Whitemoor was doing a difficult job reasonably well but the daily routine was inadequate.
via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk
February 2, 2026 at 6:31 AM
HMP Whitemoor inspection
Whitemoor was doing a difficult job reasonably well but the daily routine was inadequate.
via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
Whitemoor was doing a difficult job reasonably well but the daily routine was inadequate.
via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social
cdn.websitebuilder.service.justice.gov.uk/uploads/site...
The latest criminal justice trends (January 2026) - Includes the highest ever number of prison recalls - 12,836 people were recalled to prison in the THREE MONTH period between July and September 2025.
www.russellwebster.com/the-latest-c...
www.russellwebster.com/the-latest-c...
The latest criminal justice trends (January 2026)
Criminal justice trends for January 2026 includes highest ever number of prison recalls.
www.russellwebster.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:28 AM
The latest criminal justice trends (January 2026) - Includes the highest ever number of prison recalls - 12,836 people were recalled to prison in the THREE MONTH period between July and September 2025.
www.russellwebster.com/the-latest-c...
www.russellwebster.com/the-latest-c...
Yesterday the Government published its first ever annual prison capacity statement which includes hopeful projections of the impact of the Sentencing Act. Nevertheless, the prison population is expected to hit 92,000 by 2032
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
January 30, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Yesterday the Government published its first ever annual prison capacity statement which includes hopeful projections of the impact of the Sentencing Act. Nevertheless, the prison population is expected to hit 92,000 by 2032
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Probation still struggling to protect the public - Probation Chief Inspector flags concerns in first public protection inspection.
via @hmiprobation.bsky.social www.russellwebster.com/probation-st...
via @hmiprobation.bsky.social www.russellwebster.com/probation-st...
Probation still struggling to protect the public
Probation Chief Inspector flags concerns in first public protection inspection.
www.russellwebster.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:56 AM
Probation still struggling to protect the public - Probation Chief Inspector flags concerns in first public protection inspection.
via @hmiprobation.bsky.social www.russellwebster.com/probation-st...
via @hmiprobation.bsky.social www.russellwebster.com/probation-st...
Justice Data Lab analysis finds prison Open University Programme helps reduce reoffending
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6979e5...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6979e5...
January 29, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Justice Data Lab analysis finds prison Open University Programme helps reduce reoffending
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6979e5...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6979e5...
ACMD announces decision on the classification of #ketamine
To remain class B, but police forces and health care professionals must receive greater support to better identify, prevent and respond to ketamine‑related harms
www.gov.uk/government/n...
To remain class B, but police forces and health care professionals must receive greater support to better identify, prevent and respond to ketamine‑related harms
www.gov.uk/government/n...
ACMD announces decision on the classification of ketamine
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has today (28 January 2026) published its updated harms assessment of ketamine.
www.gov.uk
January 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM
ACMD announces decision on the classification of #ketamine
To remain class B, but police forces and health care professionals must receive greater support to better identify, prevent and respond to ketamine‑related harms
www.gov.uk/government/n...
To remain class B, but police forces and health care professionals must receive greater support to better identify, prevent and respond to ketamine‑related harms
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Improving support to veterans in the CJS
New @probinst2.bsky.social report looks at practical ways of supporting veterans in the CJS
www.russellwebster.com/improving-su...
New @probinst2.bsky.social report looks at practical ways of supporting veterans in the CJS
www.russellwebster.com/improving-su...
Improving support to veterans in the CJS
New report looks at practical ways of supporting veterans in the CJS
www.russellwebster.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Improving support to veterans in the CJS
New @probinst2.bsky.social report looks at practical ways of supporting veterans in the CJS
www.russellwebster.com/improving-su...
New @probinst2.bsky.social report looks at practical ways of supporting veterans in the CJS
www.russellwebster.com/improving-su...
#IPPs and DPPs: CCRC refers five people's indeterminate sentences for appeal - Criminal Cases Review Commission
In two previous cases, judges did not "attach the necessary weight to the age and maturity of the offender before imposing an IPP".
ccrc.gov.uk/news/ipps-an...
In two previous cases, judges did not "attach the necessary weight to the age and maturity of the offender before imposing an IPP".
ccrc.gov.uk/news/ipps-an...
IPPs and DPPs: CCRC refers five people's indeterminate sentences for appeal - Criminal Cases Review Commission
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has today [Tuesday 27 January] referred five people’s IPP/DPP sentences to the appellate courts after the Court of Appeal recently quashed indeterminate sen...
ccrc.gov.uk
January 28, 2026 at 8:55 AM
#IPPs and DPPs: CCRC refers five people's indeterminate sentences for appeal - Criminal Cases Review Commission
In two previous cases, judges did not "attach the necessary weight to the age and maturity of the offender before imposing an IPP".
ccrc.gov.uk/news/ipps-an...
In two previous cases, judges did not "attach the necessary weight to the age and maturity of the offender before imposing an IPP".
ccrc.gov.uk/news/ipps-an...
Prisoners turn new page with launch of Reading Laureate
Author Lee Child (of Reacher fame) announced as first ever Prison Reading Laureate.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Author Lee Child (of Reacher fame) announced as first ever Prison Reading Laureate.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Prisoners turn new page with launch of Reading Laureate
Author Lee Child announced as first ever Prison Reading Laureate.
www.gov.uk
January 28, 2026 at 6:49 AM
Prisoners turn new page with launch of Reading Laureate
Author Lee Child (of Reacher fame) announced as first ever Prison Reading Laureate.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Author Lee Child (of Reacher fame) announced as first ever Prison Reading Laureate.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Canada is an important country to learn about Drug Consumption Rooms, it has 48 rooms
New study: Some crimes increased, others decreased around Toronto supervised consumption sites
theconversation.com/new-study-so...
New study: Some crimes increased, others decreased around Toronto supervised consumption sites
theconversation.com/new-study-so...
New study: Some crimes increased, others decreased around Toronto supervised consumption sites
New research suggests overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites are not consistently associated with increases in local crime.
theconversation.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Canada is an important country to learn about Drug Consumption Rooms, it has 48 rooms
New study: Some crimes increased, others decreased around Toronto supervised consumption sites
theconversation.com/new-study-so...
New study: Some crimes increased, others decreased around Toronto supervised consumption sites
theconversation.com/new-study-so...