Wandsworth, South West London | A woman has been arrested after a social media video surfaced, apparently showing a prison officer engaging in mjolo activity with an inmate in a cell.
The Metropolitan Police began investigating on Friday after becoming “aware of a video allegedly filmed inside HMP Wandsworth.” A woman was arrested the same day on suspicion of misconduct in public office and remains in custody.
The timing of the footage, which shows an officer initially in full uniform, is unknown.
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It is not known when the footage, which showed an officer initially in full uniform, was filmed. Photograph: Lucy North/PA
The arrest comes shortly after the prisons watchdog sent an urgent notification for improvement at the jail to the justice secretary, Alex Chalk.
Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, described recent inspection findings as “deeply concerning,” highlighting “chaotic” wings and staff being unable to “accurately account for their prisoners during the working day.” During the inspection, the prison’s governor, Katie Price, resigned.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson confirmed the police investigation began on 28 June following the video’s discovery. A woman was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is currently in police custody. Inquiries are ongoing, and police are in close contact with the Ministry of Justice.
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A Prison Service spokesperson stated, “Staff corruption is not tolerated and the former prison officer allegedly featured in this video has been reported to the police. It would be inappropriate to comment further during the investigation.”
In May, Taylor wrote to Chalk about the “despondency” observed at the category B Victorian jail, emphasizing the need for “permanent experienced leaders” to improve security, safety, and support less-experienced staff.
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