Guards are set to be armed with tasers as violence hits record levels in our “lawless” prisons.
The 50,000-volt stun guns could be deployed after trials by jail riot squads. Officers are now attacked more than 160 times every week in England’s overcrowded and understaffed prisons – around once every hour. Jail assaults are up almost 80% since 2013, with 8,500 in the year to Sep-tember – including 765 so serious staff needed hospital treatment. Assaults on staff are up 168% since 2013.
And specialist riot unit the National Tactical Response Group, dubbed the prisons’ SAS, was deployed the equivalent of more than twice a day last year, according to research by Labour – 40% more frequently than in 2022. The Ministry of Justice has now agreed an £80,000 deal for T7 tasers, used by UK police, plus holsters, live cartridges and training kit from US firm Axon, Government papers show. Tasers are routinely used by prison guards in America despite concerns.
And Amnesty International reported in 2018 that police Tasers had resulted in at least 18 deaths across England and Wales since 2003. Labour blasted the jails scheme and accused the Government of quietly sliding in the pilot, which was not formally announced. Shadow Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “This latest contract is an admission from the Government that they cannot deal with the chaos in our prisons.”
Rob Preece, of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said tasers would raise tension, adding: “The best way to reduce violence is to ensure prisons are fully staffed and not overcrowded.” But the Prison Officers’ Association said it welcomed “any tools which keep our members and prisoners safe”.
Assistant general secretary Mick Pimblett said: “Prisons are lawless and it is only right that the Government make every effort to take back control.” The Ministry of Justice said: “These early trials, alongside wider investments into security measures, will ensure we maintain safe environments for hardworking staff and prisoners.”
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