|
<p>Reducing violence in prisons is a key priority, and we are working hard to make prisons as safe as possible.</p><p>A range of security measures are in place to clamp down on illicit items such as weapons and drugs, that can fuel prison violence. This includes X-ray body scanners at every closed adult male prison, and enhanced gate security at 42 high-risk prisons. In addition, Body Worn Video Cameras are provided to all band 3-5 prison officers on shift to prevent violence and provide valuable evidence for prosecution when it does occur.</p><p>To ensure our staff are equipped with the right tools to protect themselves and prisoners from serious assaults, PAVA – a synthetic pepper spray – has been rolled out for use by prison officers in the adult male estate alongside SPEAR, a personal safety training package.</p><p>We continue to support those at risk of violence through an estate-wide case management approach and we are providing targeted support to a number of adult male prisons with the highest rates of assaults.</p> |