5 presents a troubling look inside one of Britain’s most notorious prisons with the documentary “Wandsworth Prison: Out of Control,” airing Monday, 5 May at 9:00 PM. The program investigates the shocking conditions within the overcrowded facility, where inmates often find themselves sharing cells built for single occupancy.
With understaffing and inexperienced officers struggling to maintain order, many prisoners are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day. The documentary explores the psychological and physical toll of such confinement, including increased drug use and deteriorating mental health among inmates.
“Wandsworth Prison: Out of Control” arrives at a critical juncture. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons previously declared the need for emergency action, and the government pledged £100 million to address the problems. Yet, despite these efforts, the Victorian-era prison seems to remain on the brink of collapse. The documentary aims to expose the ongoing crisis and spark conversation about necessary prison reforms and the humane treatment of inmates.
