States of Jersey Prison Service: Annual Report 2025

According to Article 4 of the Prison (Jersey) Law 1957, last revised in 2023,

1. The Minister shall each year, present to the States a report on the prison for the preceding calendar year.
2. The report shall contain –  

1. a statement of the accommodation at the prison and the daily average and highest number of prisoners confined therein;  
2. particulars of the work done by prisoners in the prison;  
3. a statement of the punishments inflicted in the prison and of the offences for which they were inflicted.[24]

This report covers 2025, providing an overview of the performance of the prison in this time and responding to the aspects outlined in Jersey Prison Law.

Contents

1. Governor foreword ................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Our purpose............................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Progress summary .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

1. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) recommendations ........................................................ 6
2. Recruitment ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Security .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
4. Young People in Custody.......................................................................................................................................... 7
5. Neurodiversity................................................................................................................................................................ 7
6. Reducing Reoffending................................................................................................................................................ 8
7. Reintegration and Resettlement ........................................................................................................................... 9
8. Community Engagement.......................................................................................................................................... 9

5. Prison infrastructure.............................................................................................................................................................12

1. Prisoner accommodation .......................................................................................................................................12
2. Development and redevelopment plan ..........................................................................................................14

6. Prison population..................................................................................................................................................................15

7. Prisoner receptions...............................................................................................................................................................16

1. Receptions per year...................................................................................................................................................16
2. Receptions by nationality .......................................................................................................................................17
3. Repeat prisoner receptions....................................................................................................................................18

8. Temporary Release Scheme .............................................................................................................................................19

1. Conditional Early Release (CER)...........................................................................................................................19
2. Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) .............................................................................................................19

9. Prisoner employment..........................................................................................................................................................20

10. Adjudications .....................................................................................................................................................................21

1. Offences ..........................................................................................................................................................................21
2. Outcomes .......................................................................................................................................................................21

11. Looking ahead to 2026 .................................................................................................................................................23

12. Appendix – Definitions..................................................................................................................................................25

1. Governor foreword  

I am pleased to present the Annual Report for 2025, which sets out key developments, operational performance, and the challenges faced by the States of Jersey Prison Service over the reporting period. The year was marked by sustained population pressures, increasing complexity of prisoner need, and continued demand on infrastructure. Nevertheless, the Service remained focused on fulfilling its core responsibility to serve the Order of the Courts and hold prisoners in secure, safe and decent conditions in accordance with statutory obligations and inspection expectations.

The States of Jersey Prison Service continued to operate securely, safely, and consistently during a period of significant pressure. Establishment security remained an enduring priority within our Local Security Strategy, driving continuous improvement against delivery milestones across 2025-2027. Despite a 13% increase in average population, breaches of prison rules decreased significantly, demonstrating sustained implementation of the revised behaviour management strategy.

Continued  purposeful  and  positive staff  and  partner  relationships with  prisoners  has  driven improvements in this area. There have been no serious incidents or dangerous events in 2025, despite the unusual challenge of managing a prison which holds men, women and young people across all security categories. Notably, there were no escapes, attempted escapes, or releases in error during the year, reflecting the vigilance of staff and the robustness of operational controls.

The year ahead will focus on improving our offer to prisoners, continuous business improvement, ensuring  budgetary  compliance,  progression  of  His  Majesty's  Inspectorate  of  Prisons recommendations, enhancing community partnerships, strengthening support for complex needs, and advancing longterm infrastructure planning. I am also very keen to improve our offer to families, placing the child at the heart of our approach, and fully embedding the victim's perspective within our prisoner risk management and release strategy.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all staff, volunteers, partner agencies, the Independent Prison  Monitoring Board, and the  Minister  for Justice  and  Home Affairs for  their  continued commitment and contribution to safe custody and effective rehabilitation. Their dedication remains central to  the  high  standards achieved and  to our  ongoing work  to  deliver a  resilient and forwardlooking prison service, releasing better neighbours.

Paul Yates OBE

Governor

States of Jersey Prison Service

2. Our purpose  

The States of Jersey Prison Service operates La Moye prison, the only prison in Jersey, resourced to accommodate up to 200 prisoners. It is a small but complex prison serving the Island's Magistrate's and Royal Court, holding remand and convicted prisoners of all security categories, genders, and age ranges (including juveniles on a case-by-case basis), and dealing with repatriation and deportation cases.

Our role in community safety

Community safety is  at the heart  of our  mission. By balancing secure  custody with effective rehabilitation, the States of Jersey Prison Service plays a vital role in protecting the public today, while investing in safer communities for tomorrow.

The States of Jersey Prison Service is contributing to the safety and security of our Island through the lawful, secure, and humane custody of individuals remanded or sentenced by the courts, while also delivering a rehabilitative regime that supports long-term public protection.

Our work extends beyond containment and focuses on addressing the root causes of offending. Supported by our partners across the Building a Safer Community (BASC) Framework, we aim to rehabilitate individuals and reduce the risk they may pose to the community upon release.  

We recognise the importance of considering victims and the wider community in everything we do. Initiatives such  as restorative justice, victim awareness programmes, and reparation work help prisoners understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility for making amends.

The establishment's purpose is defined as:

The purpose of the States of Jersey Prison Service is to contribute to the Government's vision for Jersey to be a place to live, work and visit, where people are safe and feel safe, which is free from discrimination and where rights and differences are respected.  

This is done by working to rehabilitate offenders and reduce reoffending, helping prisoners to be job ready, community ready and personally ready for reintegration to the community on release, while focusing on the well-being and training of the workforce.'  

Mission statement  

Releasing Better Neighbours' by:

• Supporting justice and the safety of the Island by keeping in custody those committed by the Courts

• Providing an evidence-based rehabilitative environment to ensure that prisoners can lead useful lives in custody and on release

Our aims

• Provide a secure, safe, decent, and healthy environment for all who live and work in the States of Jersey Prison Service

• Provide a rehabilitative ethos for prisoners to address all 7 Pathways to reduce the risk of reoffending that is fully integrated with Probation and aftercare services

• Work across Government and other jurisdictions to make best use of expertise and economies of scale

• Achieve consistently good outcomes in accordance with His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons' expectations

• Make efficient use of resources, evidence and data to achieve outcomes for prisoners

• Embrace technology and be innovative in developing the service, whist continuing to celebrate Jersey culture and traditions

• Promote diversity and inclusion, empowering and developing our people at all levels within the organisation to fulfil their potential and succession plan for the future

Our values

• Be open, transparent, and accountable for what we do

• Be service orientated and seek to work in the public interest

3. Introduction  

The States of Jersey Prison Service experienced intense population pressures in 2025, with 348 total custodies accommodated (+11). The average number of prisoners housed daily was 13% higher than 2024, and 27% higher than 2023.

The average daily occupancy rate rose to 87% with a peak occupancy rate of 92% recorded in September. This reflects the ongoing trend in population growth in recent years; in 2023 the average daily population was 138, in 2024 the daily average was 155, and in 2025 it reached 175.

Population pressures continue to be most prominent within the vulnerable prisoner unit (VPU) on Journeaux  Wing,  which  underwent a  temporary expansion in  2024  to  increase the  standard accommodation capacity from 59 to 63. Despite this increased capacity, the 2025 average daily occupancy rate in the VPU was 95% or 60 prisoners per day, up from 53 prisoners per day in 2024, and 49 in 2023. Maximum capacity was exceeded for a full week in September with a daily population of 64, with one of two emergency safer cells in use to accommodate the additional prisoner.

The States of Jersey Prison Service is also experiencing considerable cost pressures. Population growth and inflation have outpaced funding in recent years. When adjusting for inflation and increased prisoner numbers, real-term funding per prisoner has fallen by over a third since 2018.

Targeted reinvestment would assist in  sustaining establishment stability, core operations, staff wellbeing, and rehabilitation efforts. At minimum, investment will be necessary to expand the current accommodation capacity of 200 in the coming years.

Though 2025 was not without its challenges, it was also a year of significant progress.

In September 2025, Paul Yates OBE joined the States of Jersey Prison Service as the new Prison Governor for a three-year term following 30 years' service in His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service in England. Acting Governor Artur Soliwoda thus reprised his role as Deputy Governor following a successful period of governing.

Notable progress was made by Acting Governor Soliwoda and the team across several core areas in 2025. This includes the implementation of the recommendations made by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), strengthening of our security strategy and improving prisoner behaviour and outcomes.

Operational resilience was boosted by the successful recruitment and graduation of five new prison officers, and safety and security remained robust, with a 40% reduction in rule breaches and no escapes or releases in error. A dedicated Young Offenders Institution area was formally designated, enabling a bespoke, childcentred regime for the four young people held during the year.   Progress continues in developing a more neuroinclusive environment for prisoners and staff.

Rehabilitation efforts through the 7 Pathways Reducing Reoffending Strategy remained strong; 219 prisoners engaged in education or vocational training courses, 196 prisoners were employed within the prison throughout the course of the year and 31 prisoners engaged in targeted interventions designed to reduce risk of reoffending and harm.

Improvements were also recorded in reintegration outcomes of prison leavers. 100% of convicted prisoners serving a sentence of 6 months or more had a discharge plan in place on release (up from 78% in 2024), supporting prison leavers to secure housing and employment - 80% of prison leavers had access to settled accommodation on release, up from 54% in 2024, and 86% of those eligible and fit to work had employment in place, up from 71% in 2024.

Community engagement continued to be a major strength, with active participation in education days, charity events,  environmental projects, creative initiatives, and partnerships with  organisations including Age Concern, Brighter Futures and local schools. These activities supported rehabilitation, strengthened community links, and contributed positively to the island.

4. Progress summary  

An overview of developments across the reporting period.  

1. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) recommendations

Out  of 36 accepted and 3  partially accepted recommendations made following His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) inspection in 2024, 15 are fully completed and implemented, 20 are partially completed, and 4 not achieved as we are waiting for legislative change and additional funding.  

• Notable progress has been made in the development of automated data dashboards and peer learning activities.

• Support for prisoners with substance misuse problems has improved through the employment of dedicated counsellor and close links with Drug and Alcohol Services.

• Recommendations set for implementation in 2026 and 2029 are progressing well, however several actions are dependent on available funding and legislative changes.

2. Recruitment

• We proudly marked a significant milestone for the Service with the graduation of five new Prison Officers in November, following the completion of eight weeks of intensive Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT); a programme designed to equip recruits with the essential skills and resilience needed for one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in our community. All new officers demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout their training and are now fully embedded within the service.

• A Drug and Alcohol Counsellor was recruited to provide dedicated care and support to prisoners experiencing challenges with substance misuse.

• The further addition of administrative support staff has been integral in keeping the service running efficiently in this period of high demand.

3. Security

The States of Jersey Prison Service succeeded in its focus on maintaining a secure, safe and decent environment for prisoners, staff and visitors throughout the year.

• Despite the increasing population, successful efforts to promote positive behaviour resulted in a 40% drop in breaches of prison rules. There were no escapes or attempted escapes, and no prisoner has ever been released in error.

• Notable progress was made on the development of our Local Security Strategy in high priority areas to further improve the security and safety of staff, prisoners and visitors. Work will continue throughout 2026 with the aim for all objectives to be completed and the strategy fully embedded in 2027.

4. Young People in Custody  

Four individuals between the ages of 15-17 were accommodated by the States of Jersey Prison Service in 2025. To accommodate offenders under the age of 18, a segregated section of the prison was officially designated as a Young Offenders Institution in May, by the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs under Article 27 of the Prison (Jersey) Law 1957.

Young people are held in La Moye prison only as a last resort. Whilst here, a bespoke, childcentred regime for young people in custody was delivered in close partnership with education providers, health professionals, social care teams, and external specialist agencies. This approach ensured that every young person received tailored support aligned with their individual needs, safeguarding requirements, and developmental stage.

Multidisciplinary planning, regular case reviews, and coordinated interventions helped maintain continuity of care and promoted positive outcomes across education, wellbeing, and resettlement. Collaboration with partner organisations remained essential to delivering a safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and young people within the establishment.

5. Neurodiversity

The States of Jersey Prison Service is committed to fostering a neuroinclusive living and working environment for both prisoners and staff. Progress in aligning fully with the Islandwide neurodiversity strategy has naturally been paced by the limited data availability, resources, specialist capacity, and health assessment information needed to support evidencebased service delivery. Despite these constraints, meaningful foundational work has taken place, and opportunities for further development will continue to be explored throughout 2026 and 2027. The target date for completing all HMIP recommendations relating to neurodiversity remains the end of 2026.

We will continue to work closely with expert partners across the island to ensure our approaches are informed, evidencebased, and reflective of best practice. As in the wider community, we recognise the importance of providing appropriate support, reasonable adjustments, and a caring environment for individuals with diverse cognitive and neurological needs.

Although Islandwide data on neurodiversity remains limited in 2025, the States of Jersey Prison Service is taking steps to strengthen understanding and ensure that support is available to those who need it.

6. Reducing Reoffending  

Efforts to promote rehabilitation through the 7 Pathways Reducing Reoffending Strategy continued throughout the year, supported by the Building a Safer Community (BASC) Framework.

The service continues to observe a decline in the number of prisoners who are recommitted to prison within 12 months of their previous release, down 25% from 28% in 2023 to 21 in 2025.

• Within  the  Education,  Training  and  Employment Pathway,  74%  of  convicted  prisoners  engaged  in  education  or  vocational training courses.  

• Education and vocational training delivery  was  impacted  by  staff  shortages  and  sickness  in  educators  and  instructors  throughout 2025, compounded by a lack of  resilience in  the Education and Activities  department and financial constraints. This  was further impacted by limited educational  and workspace facilities required to meet  

increasing population demands.  

• The introduction of peer-to-peer learning  and  a  new  suite  of  Life  Skills  courses  has  significantly reduced  the  impact of  the aforementioned factors, though challenges continue.

• New reducing reoffending and education strategies are in development to inform ongoing progress in these areas.

• 31 prisoners engaged in interventions designed to reduce risk of reoffending and harm; 6 were engaged in the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abuse Individualised Treatment Programme to address sexual offending, with 3 completed in 2025 and 3 continuing into 2026. 6 prisoners were engaged in the Building Healthy Relationships Programme to address intimate partner abuse, and another 6 were engaged in bespoke interventions to address psychological risk factors for reoffending. A further 13 prisoners completed an accredited offending behaviour programme, the Thinking Skills Programme, across two groups.  

• 196 prisoners were employed within the prison throughout the year, one more than 2024. The average prison employment rate for fit-to-work convicted prisoners was 82%, down from 89% in 2024. However, this must be considered in context - the prison has a limited number of roles available and while the same volume of individuals was employed, the increased prison

population caused a lower overall employment rate percentage.

7. Reintegration and Resettlement  

The Prison's Reintegration and Resettlement Team, working with Employment, Social Security and Housing and temporary housing providers continue to support prison leavers in securing employment and accommodation prior to release:

• 100% of convicted prisoners, serving a sentence of 6 months or more and who planned to remain  in  Jersey  were  released with  an  up-to-date resettlement plan  for  addressing outstanding rehabilitation needs. This is a notable improvement on the 78% achieved in 2024.

• 80%  of prison  leavers had access to  settled accommodation on  release, a significant improvement, up from 54% in 2024. 6% had access to transient accommodation such as residential healthcare, supported housing or a short-term placement with family or friends, and 14% were facing homelessness (rough sleeping, shelter, hostel, campsite, or squat). All individuals facing homelessness were supported by the prison's reintegration team and were referred to the Housing Advisory Service and local shelters to support their resettlement.

• 86% of eligible and fit-to-work prison leavers had employment in place on release, compared with 71% in 2025. This was driven by concerted efforts throughout the year in providing prisoners with relevant vocational training and hosting the bi-annual Connect Me event which brings together over 50 contributors including potential employers, charities and government

departments.

8. Community Engagement

Community engagement in prison rehabilitation is crucial for reducing recidivism and fostering successful reintegration. Giving back to the community is a core value of the service, demonstrated by staff and prisoners alike. Throughout the year, we continued to strengthen our commitment to community partnerships and social impact. The States of Jersey Prison Service also donated £4,223 to charities who have supported us throughout the year, with contributions collected from prisoners on the early release scheme.

Building a Safer Community (BASC) Education Days  

Representatives from the States of Jersey Prison Service have been attending each BASC Education Day, raising awareness of the lifelong impacts of crime among Year 8 students across the Island. In the school year 2024/25 the team spoke with 1,096 students from 11 schools. 91% of students and 100% of teachers rated the BASC Education Day as good or excellent.

"It explained so much about what would happen if you got caught taking  

drugs or doing anything bad in general."  

"Prison and probation were good because it showed the court system and  parish hall, as well as how jail worked and how scenes worked if you went  through with them, like the consequences of under aged drinking."

Around the clock, around the fence' for Brighter Futures

As part of Prisons Week 2025, the States of Jersey Prison Service team successfully completed the tough and ambitious Around the clock, around the fence' challenge, a full 24 hours of continuous movement around the prison's external fences, symbolising the dedication and resilience of our service, which runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. In total, the team completed an incredible 161 laps of the prison fence, covering 128.8 kilometres in total. £1,330 was raised for Brighter Futures Jersey, a fantastic local charity supporting parents, families, and young people across Jersey.

One of our Prison Officers, Ewan Scott , also organised a football scratch card fundraiser with staff, raising an extra £500 for the charity.

Age Concern Partnership

Late last year, the States of Jersey Prison Service joined forces with Age Concern to launch an inspiring initiative that combines rehabilitation with community engagement. Through a dedicated space to sell produce and woodwork items grown and made by prisoners, the scheme generates income for the charity and supports the rehabilitation of inmates by providing engagement with the community.

Mont Orgueil Castle Abseil Challenge

The team at the States of Jersey Prison Service took part in the Mont Orgueil Castle Abseil Challenge, raising £235 for Mont A L'Abbé School to help build their new inclusive playground which will not only support the children and young people from the school, but also be a safe inclusive play space for the community.

Recycling  

We continued our three-year partnership with Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE) Marine and Fisheries through the Ports of Jersey-funded Fishing Recycling Project. This initiative has played a key role in promoting sustainability and responsible waste management within the local angling community,  while also providing purposeful and  meaningful employment to prisoners.

Our Bike Workshop Recycle Project collecting stolen/abandoned bicycles from the Police and Parishes, which are repaired, made roadworthy, and donated back to local charities. This valuable project is scheduled to restart in 2026.

Inside Out 17 – Art Exhibition

This year saw the continued success of our Annual Art Exhibition – Inside Out, which has provided individuals with a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and express their experiences through art. The exhibition has strengthened community understanding and engagement, while highlighting the positive impact of artistic expression on wellbeing and rehabilitation.

Community Projects

We undertook a series of community improvement projects, including the refurbishment of public benches and the creation of information pillars for Liberation Day. These improvements enhance shared public spaces and support wider community wellbeing.

These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to social value, environmental responsibility, and meaningful engagement with the community we serve.

5. Prison infrastructure  

Overview of existing accommodation at the prison and planned program of redevelopment  

1. Prisoner accommodation

Prisoners are accommodated in four main wings (Hocquard (H) Wing, Women; Journeaux (J) Wing, Vulnerable Prisoners;  Kendall (K) Wing, general population, and Laugeard (L) Wing, enhanced prisoners) as well as a separate segregation unit (CSU) and step-up unit, which are opened when required.

All cells on main residential wings have in-cell sanitation, access to a kettle, telephones, TV, and access to information technology. Cells on Hocquard Wing have in-cell showers.

Stair lifts are installed in H Wing, the gym, and the building accommodating our library and chapel to improve access to prison facilities for disabled prisoners. In addition, platform lifts are installed on J, K and L Wings.

Journeaux (J) Wing: Vulnerable Prisoner Unit

The States of Jersey Prison Service has experienced consistent Vulnerable Prisoner (VP) population pressures since July 2023. The Vulnerable Prisoner Unit has expanded accommodation capacity for 63 prisoners (in 20 double and 19 single cells plus a temporary dormitory to accommodate up to four prisoners) with an additional two single-occupancy safer cells. The average daily VP population in 2025 was 60, with maximum capacity exceeded in September 2025.

Figure 4.1: Daily Occupancy – Vulnerable Prisoner Unit, 2023-2025  

Kendall (K) Wing: General Population  

Standard accommodation capacity for 55 prisoners (in 12 double and 31 single cells), including an accessible cell for physically disabled prisoners, with three additional single-occupancy safer cells.

Laugeard (L) Wing: Enhanced Regime Unit

Standard accommodation capacity for 83 prisoners (in 26 double and 31 single cells) including two accessible cells for physically disabled prisoners, and three additional single-occupancy safer cells.

All prisoners on L Wing are on an Enhanced regime' due to their positive conduct in custody. Hocquard (H) Wing: Female Wing

Standard accommodation capacity for 19 prisoners (in 2 double 15 single cells) with an additional one single-occupancy safer cell.

H1 Prerelease Unit  

Short-term accommodation with operational capacity for 8 prisoners in single cell occupancy.

H2 Care and Separation Unit

Short-term accommodation with operational capacity for 3 prisoners in single cell occupancy.

2. Development and redevelopment plan  

In recognition of ongoing population pressures the States of Jersey Prison Service conducted a review of the long-term development plan with provisions for additional residential accommodation spaces being considered as part of the next phase of development. Plan revisions are underway which must be agreed by Treasury before capital funding can be approved.

Other Phases of the long-term development plan which include the demolition of several original buildings remain unchanged.

Phase 7  

Care and Separation and step-up unit and demolition of E Wing. Commencement date not confirmed. Duration 12 to 18 Months.

Phase 8  

New Education and Workshops.  Demolition G  Wing, RSMU,  vacated workshops  and  isolated portacabin education units. Commencement date to be confirmed. Duration 16 to 24 Months.

Phase 9  

New Healthcare. Demolition of old Healthcare and old staff building. Commencement date to be confirmed. Duration 12 to 18 Months.

Phase 10  

Replacement of perimeter security outer fence with a wall and inner fences. Commencement date to be confirmed. Estimated costs to be confirmed depending on the chosen option.

6. Prison population  

Average and maximum number of prisoners held at the facility daily  

The maximum number of prisoners that can be accommodated daily is 200. A peak daily population of 184 was recorded in September 2025, with the prison reaching an occupancy rate of 92%.

The average daily prison population increased 13% to 175 in 2025, up from 155 in 2024 and 138 in 2023. The annual average occupancy rate rose to 87% from 77%.

The average daily population of male prisoners increased by 13% from 145 to 164 versus 2024, while the average daily population of female prisoners increased slightly from 10 to 11.

Population pressures were especially observed in the Vulnerable Prisoner Unit, with an average daily population of 60, and an average daily occupancy rate of 95%.

Twelve intra-UK transfers of prisoners occurred in 2025. Figure 5.1: Daily population, 2023-2025

Table 5.2: Average and maximum daily population by gender, 2023-2025

7. Prisoner receptions  

New custodies of remand and convicted prisoners

1. Receptions per year

There were 180 receptions (new custodies) in 2025, up slightly from 177 in 2024.

Continuing the trend observed in recent years, the number of annual receptions continue to outweigh releases, compounding populating pressures. In the three-year period between 2023-2025, there have been 526 new custodies (receptions) compared with 434 releases, resulting in a net increase of prisoners, with prison facilities continuing to operate near capacity.

Figure 6.1: Annual prisoner receptions by gender, 2023-2025

2. Receptions by nationality  

UK nationals continue to account for most new receptions, followed by Jersey nationals, which when combined account for 76% of all new receptions, up from 70.5% in 2024.

In 2025, 40.6% of new receptions were British, 29.4% were Jersey nationals (25% in 2024), 7% were Portuguese (12.5% in 2024), 4% were Polish (6.25% in 2024), and 4% were Scott ish (2.3% in 2024).

For male prisoners,  39% of new receptions were British, 28% were Jersey nationals, 8%  were Portuguese, 5% were Polish and 5% were Scott ish. 91% of female prisoners received identified as British or Jersey.

Figure 6.2: Prisoner nationalities, 2025

Total Population   New Receptions

3. Repeat prisoner receptions  

First-time prisoners continue to be the core driver of prison population growth, with the level of repeat prisoner custodies relatively unchanged in recent years.

37% of new custodies in 2025 were for prisoners who had at least one previous recorded custody with the States of Jersey Prison Service:

• 16% of receptions were for offenders who re-entered custody within 12 months of their previous release, referred to as reoffenders.

• 21% of receptions were for repeat prisoners who re-entered custody more than 12 months after their previous release.

• The number of prisoners who re-enter custody within 12 months of their previous release continue to fall, down 25% from 28 in 2023 to 21 in 2025.

Table 6.3: Custody receptions of new and repeat prisoners, 2023-2025

8. Temporary Release Scheme  

1. Conditional Early Release (CER)

In 2025, 19 prisoners were released under the Conditional Early Release (CER) Scheme. The CER Scheme allows eligible, low-risk prisoners to serve the final portion of their sentence in the community under supervision. The Scheme aims to aid rehabilitation and reintegration, supporting prisoners to re-establish family relationships and secure housing and work before the end of their sentence, and aids in managing the prison population. While on CER, prisoners must comply with strict conditions including employment, residence at a specific address, curfew, and are carefully monitored by the States of Jersey Prison Service, the Jersey Probation and After Care Service and the Honorary Police to ensure public safety.

At the end of 2025, of the 19 prisoners released under CER Scheme:

• 8 successfully completed the scheme and reached their end of sentence date

• 9 remained in the community on CER at the end of 2025

• Two prisoners were recalled for failure to comply with the conditions of the scheme.

Table 7.1: Conditional Early Releases and Outcomes, 2023-2025

*Recalls are recorded under year of release. If a prisoner is released in 2024 and breaches in 2025 that breach is counted under 2024.

2. Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL)

The Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) Scheme was reintroduced in 2025. Four prisoners accessed the scheme, undertaking outside work while remaining in prison accommodation overnight. Two successfully reached their end of sentence date, with two still partaking at the end of the year. No breaches were recorded. ROTL for outside work allows prisoners to be involved in community or paid work with an employer that may retain them on their release. This helps prisoners provide financial support to their families prior to release and better equips them to make a constructive contribution to the community following release. Transitional employment and community work prior to release significantly reduce re-offending by smoothing the  transition from prison, with employed ex- offenders up to nine percentage points less likely to commit further crimes.[1]

9. Prisoner employment  

Prisoners in paid employment within the prison

Prisoners are employed in many areas of the prison, including the kitchen, horticulture, bike workshop, carpentry workshop, education and wing related work. In 2025, the average prison employment rate for fit-to-work convicted prisoners was 82%, down from 89% in 2024.

Although the proportion of prisoners employed decreased, this should be viewed in the context of a significant rise in the overall prison population during the same period, with the number of prisoners employed in 2025 the same as 2024.

While the number of work roles available across areas such as the kitchen, horticulture, bike workshop, carpentry, education and wing-based duties remained broadly consistent, the increase in residents outpaced the increase in available workspaces.

This means that, despite staff maintaining high levels of engagement and although workshops are operating at or near capacity, the ratio of jobs to prisoners naturally fell. In effect, the States of Jersey Prison Service was employing the same number of individuals in absolute terms, but a larger prisoner population resulted in a lower percentage being recorded as employed.

Table 8.1: Employment rates for fit-to-work convicted prisoners, 2023 – 2025

Prisoners who are retired or have a disability that prevents them from undertaking employment are excluded from the fit-to-work cohort. While a prisoner may be physically fit-to-work, they must also meet the expected security and behavioural criteria to be granted prison employment.

10. Adjudications  

Disciplinary charges laid against prisoners and sanctions applied  

A fundamental priority for reducing reoffending is improving behaviour whilst in custody. Meaningful progress has been made in addressing this as a priority within our HMIP Action Plan. Charges laid against prisoners for breach of prison rules fell by 40% at population level, despite a 13% increase in the average prison population versus the previous year.

This improvement demonstrates the continued success of the newly revised behaviour management strategy, updated in 2024 to implement behaviour reports instead of discipline reports for less serious breaches of prison rules to encourage positive behaviour changes.

In 2025, 251 charges were laid, with 71 of these cautioned, dismissed or not proceeded with (28%). 82 male prisoners and 7 female prisoners had charges laid against them. 96% of all charges were laid against male prisoners.

A small number of prisoners continue to account for a disproportionate number of breaches of prison rules, with the top 10 offenders accountable for 37% of all adjudication offences. Those prisoners are managed and supported through individual case management plans.

1. Offences

Against the previous year, the number of charges for Disobeys or fails to comply with any rule or direction,' previously the top adjudication offence, fell by more than half (-54%). Improvements were also observed for Threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour (-23%),' and Disobeys any lawful order (-54%).' There was also a significant improvement in the number of charges laid for Assault' and Fighting' which fell 72% from 53 in 2024 to 15 in 2025.

Increases are observed in adjudications involving Possession of an unauthorized article or substance' (+18%) and Endangers the health or safety of others' (+33%).

2. Outcomes

For adjudications not dismissed or cautioned, 176 sanctions were applied including loss of special privileges, loss of association time, loss of associated work, loss of earnings, and cellular confinement.

Total time spent by prisoners in cellular confinement (CSU) was 265 total days (-23% vs 2024) across 31 prisoners, with one prolific violent offender accounting for 52% of all time spent in CSU (139 days). Confinement of prisoners is implemented only when they pose a significant risk to other prisoners or staff.

Table 9.1: A summary of disciplinary charges laid against prisoners (adjudications) and sanctions applied, 2023-2025

 *'Loss of Privileges' can include Loss of Special Privileges, Loss of Association, Loss of Associated Work, and Loss of Earnings. Total sanctions may be higher than charges proceeded if an offence results in the loss of more than one privilege.

11. Looking ahead to 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the States of Jersey Prison Service will continue to focus on its core responsibilities: holding individuals securely  and safely, providing decent custodial conditions, alongside delivering a purposeful and active regime. In line with the HMIP Healthy Prison Framework, our priorities and resource decisions will be directed to meet assessed need and pursuance of reducing reoffending outcomes.

The introduction of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) legislation in 2026 is a significant development for Jersey's safeguarding landscape. Preparatory work has commenced to understand and respond to its operational implications for custody, including managing prisoners safely and appropriately, coordinating with partner agencies, ensuring staff capability, and planning for the additional capacity pressures the legislation may generate.

Population management is a priority activity for the year ahead, both in terms of managing the current rising prisoner numbers and maintaining security and safety. Our current assessment indicates that La Moye prison has no scope to absorb further population increases within the existing estate. The increasing population can only be met through investing in prison infrastructure and spaces, therefore capital funding and support for the proposed development plans will be crucial to enable the States of Jersey Prison Service to effectively respond to the forecasted population pressures. Such investment is essential to supporting the criminal justice system and safeguarding the Jersey community.

Financial constraints  will continue  to  shape  the  year  ahead.  We  will maintain a  disciplined, valueformoney approach, ensuring that investment is focused on safety-critical functions and on interventions that demonstrably address prisoner need. At the same time, we remain committed to strengthening provisions that support family ties, and embedding a victimfocused perspective across assessment, planning and intervention work. Our involvement in the Building a Safer Community (BASC) Education Programme will continue to ensure the States of Jersey Prison Service plays an active role in reducing harm and improving outcomes across the community.

Our work in 2026 will be driven by our Big 5 priorities, designed to align with governmentwide objectives and the evolving needs of the prison:

1. Budget Variance & Management

Maintain  strong  financial discipline,  ensure  prudent  and  transparent  expenditure,  maximise efficiencies and income generation, and keep tight alignment with the Risk Register so our resources are directed to the areas that matter most for safety and operational resilience.

2. Population Management

Continue to develop a reliable populationforecasting and planning model; increase UK transfers where  possible;  use  CER  and  ROTL  effectively; and  bid  for  funding  to  build  a  permanent accommodation solution.

3. Secure, Safe & Decent

Strengthen  security  practices including  implementing the  Local  Security  Strategy,  develop a sustainable and  intelligenceled security  model, enhance  incidentcommand capability, jointly improve healthcare provision and ensure the needs of vulnerable and neurodiverse prisoners are actively identified and met.

4. Reducing Reoffending

Progress  all HMIP  recommendations including improving assessment  and  sentence  planning processes,  delivering accredited interventions,  strengthening  external  partnerships  to  support effective release planning and working closely with the Building a Safer Community (BASC) Framework to drive coordinated, systemwide responses to offending and harm.

5. People Strategy

Invest in staff development and skills; improve recognition, progression, and retention; deliver a refreshed Wellbeing Plan and embed learning from the "Be Heard" survey to support culture change, improve morale, and professional competence.

These priorities will be supported by an updated Risk Register and a new internal Business Plan, setting out clear objectives, milestones and governance arrangements. Senior leaders will continue to oversee each workstream, supported by middle managers and staff across the organisation, with regular opportunities for staff, partners, stakeholders and prisoners to contribute to progress throughout 2026.

Paul Yates OBE

Governor

States of Jersey Prison Service

12.  Appendix – Definitions

Adjudication

A disciplinary hearing of charges laid against a prisoner for breach of prison rules.

Custody

The legal detention of an individual in prison following a court sentence, conviction, or while awaiting trial or sentencing. Custodies are the number of instances of detention, not the number of unique individuals (prisoners).

Custody Types

There are two main custody types; Convicted and Remand. Convicted means a person has been found legally guilty of a crime, resulting in a sentence. Remand refers to being detained in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing, meaning they are not convicted and legally presumed innocent.

Prisoner

The individual that is detained in custody. Individual prisoners can have one or more custodies.

Reception  

When a prisoner begins a new custody.

Vulnerable Prisoner

A prisoner at a higher risk of harm, abuse, or exploitation within the general prison population, often requiring separation or specialised care to ensure their safety. They may be targeted due to age, disability, associations, or the nature of their offense (e.g., sex offenders).

[1] Employment Characteristics and Recidivism Risks After Release