§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many security staff are employed in Benefits Agency offices; and what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of such staff in(a) deterring criminal acts and (b) helping to protect office staff when a criminal act is committed; [14233]
(2) how many old Benefits Agency offices are fitted with CCTV cameras; and what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of such cameras in (a) deterring criminal acts and (b) helping to provide evidence following a criminal act. [14232]
579W
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThere are currently 387 CCTV systems installed and Land Securities Trillium has 1,179 permanent security staff members deployed in Benefits Agency offices. The number of security staff is supplemented by temporary staff where local needs demand.
The installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of security staff are based on the recommendations of independent risk assessors in order to reduce risks for staff in those offices. The security teams regularly defuse situations at an early stage and where necessary take action to notify the police. No statistics are available on the number of occasions when security staff intervene or CCTV is used as evidence in a prosecution.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's policy is for dealing with claimants who act in a threatening or violent manner towards Benefits Agency staff. [14235]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownMinisters and senior management have made clear that we will take determined action against customers who in any way threaten, attack or abuse our staff.