Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
In a new initiative to address the escalating violence in male prisons in England and Wales, specially trained staff will be equipped with Tasers as part of a trial program. Recent data obtained by the BBC indicates that over £20 million has been paid out in damages to staff and prisoners who have fallen victim to assaults over the past five years. Following the trial this summer, government officials will assess whether Tasers should be more widely adopted in prison settings.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has emphasized the urgency for the government to address the significant cost associated with the prevailing levels of violence in prisons. The use of Tasers has been endorsed by the POA, stating that it is a long-overdue measure to ensure the safety of prison staff. Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing fear and disorder from reigning in correctional facilities.
Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the POA, highlighted the underlying issues of overcrowding in prisons, which contribute to a host of problems including violence, drug abuse, and boredom among inmates. The introduction of Tasers is seen as a necessary step in equipping staff with the tools needed to effectively manage violence within prison facilities. The Tasers will be allocated to a specialized national unit that will respond to critical incidents in men’s prisons where safety is at risk.
The decision to introduce Tasers follows a violent attack on three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham, leading to increased concerns around staff safety. Former officer Claire Lewis, who continues to suffer from severe PTSD after being stabbed by a prisoner, expressed support for the limited deployment of Tasers in specific scenarios. Notably, the Prison Service is implementing additional security measures such as full lockdown searches and anti-drone technology to combat the flow of contraband that perpetuates violence within prisons
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.