The Chief Inspector for Prisons has written to the Justice Secretary about concerns over HMP Exeter.
Peter Clarke has written to David Gauke invoking what's called the Urgent Notification Process. That means he has 28 calendar days to publicly answer concerns and explain how improvements will be made.
The unannounced inspection took place at the prison between the 14th and the 24th of May.
It found that safety in the prison has significantly worsened.
There have been six suicides and a 40% increase in self harm since the last inspection in August 2016.
Assaults against both prisoners and staff are among the highest the Inspector had seen, and he said the use of weapons is common.
Nearly a quarter of prisoners tested positive for drugs.
The Inspector said the response to recommendations made after the last inspection had been poor.
The Secretary of State now has a month to reply.
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