A record number of female prison officers were dismissed last year after engaging in inappropriate relationships with male inmates, newly released figures show. A total of 18 officers were sacked in 2024-25, bringing the number dismissed for such misconduct over the past five years to 58.

Ministry of Justice statistics, disclosed following a Freedom of Information request relating to prison officer discipline, reveal the scale of the issue. Over the past five years, 252 investigations were launched into allegations of female guards forming relationships with male prisoners. That's almost one a week.

These inquiries resulted in 105 cases where officers faced disciplinary action, with 58 ultimately losing their jobs, the Sun reported.

The data also highlights a sharp rise in dismissals. Over the past three years, an average of 13 female officers per year were sacked for illicit relationships. In comparison, between 2017 and 2019 the annual average stood at just three.

Officers found to have relationships with inmates not only risk losing their careers but can also face criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

Earlier this month, 27-year-old Charlotte Winstanley was jailed for two and a half years after admitting to an affair with inmate Jabhari Blair, 30, while working at HMP Lindholme in South Yorkshire.

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She arranged date nights with him, sent him messages saying she was "literally praying" to have his baby and continued the relationship even after being suspended.

Andrew Neilson, of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "This issue is not one that can be swept under the carpet. More research and robust data is needed, to ensure there are sound policies and adequate checks and training for all staff."

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Where officers fall below our high standards, we do not hesitate to take robust action.

"While most prison staff are honest, we are catching more of the minority who break the rules with a bolstered counter corruption unit and stronger vetting."