Prison Governors’ Association

The Prison Governors’ Association (PGA) is an organization representing prison governors in England and Wales. Recently, the PGA has been vocal on critical issues affecting the prison system. Its president, Tom Wheatley, has warned of escalating violence against notorious prisoners by inmates who feel they have 'nothing to lose,' particularly those serving long sentences or whole-life tariffs. The association has also highlighted significant security challenges, such as the difficulty in preventing drone deliveries of drugs and weapons. These efforts are being hampered by the structural weaknesses of Victorian-era prisons, where crumbling walls cannot support the necessary anti-drone netting and grilles. The PGA's statements underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and order within the prison estate, pointing to both inmate behavior and aging infrastructure as key concerns.