HM Inspectorate of Prisons
HMI Prisons
Summary
The Chief Inspector of Prisons is appointed by the Crown under section 5A of the Prison Act 1952, at the discretion of the Secretary of State with no fixed statutory term. The inspectorate reports annually to the Secretary of State (who lays it before Parliament). It inspects conditions and treatment in prisons, young offender institutions, immigration removal centres, short-term holding facilities, and court custody in England and Wales. It has no individual investigative or discipline authority; it cannot compel testimony or independently access personnel files. Annual reports and individual inspection reports are prepared and published, but the Secretary of State may direct their form.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | Executive review |
Statute
- Name
- Prison Act 1952
- Citation
- Prison Act 1952, s. 5A, Sch. A1 (as amended by Criminal Justice Act 1982 and subsequent Acts)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Prisons, young offender institutions, immigration removal centres, and court custody in England and Wales; also has UK-wide remit for immigration detention