§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks are made and how often on alarm systems and security cameras at prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 19 December 1994:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about checks on alarm systems and security cameras at prisons in England and Wales.Governors of Prison Service establishments are responsible for the maintenance of security at their establishments. Checks on all 958W key security systems are regular and frequent. In addition, governors of all establishments are required to carry out security audits of their physical and procedural security at least annually. Procedural security includes the maintenance of an effective alarm system and of any security cameras installed in the establishment. All establishments should have a planned maintenance system and a testing schedule for any security cameras and alarm systems. Prison Service area managers are responsible for verifying that these procedures and systems are in place.