Justice Secretary Vows to Protect Prison Staff as Taser Trial Begins

Introduction to the Taser Trial in Prisons

The Justice Secretary has emphasized her commitment to ensuring the safety of prison staff as a new trial begins exploring the use of Tasers within correctional facilities. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the escalating violence against prison officers, which has reached alarming levels in recent years.

The Start of the Taser Trial

Specialist officers from the Operational Response and Resilience Unit, based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, and Doncaster, South Yorkshire, will be the first to carry Tasers starting from Monday. This move is part of broader government efforts to combat the record levels of violence faced by prison staff.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood visited the Kidlington base last Thursday, where she witnessed demonstrations on how Tasers would be used in high-risk scenarios such as hostage situations or riots. The trial aims to gather enough data to determine whether Tasers should be more widely adopted across the prison system. Ms. Mahmood expressed hope for updates during the autumn.

A Commitment to Safety

Ms. Mahmood acknowledged the unacceptable levels of violence that she inherited, stating, “I’m not willing to tolerate that.” She emphasized her determination to keep prison staff safe, noting that officers have long requested the use of Tasers in prisons.

She added that the roll-out of Tasers for local prison staff teams across the UK will be examined as part of the trial. “I think it’s right that we start looking at the trial through the prism of our national capabilities,” she said, highlighting that this is just the beginning of a larger process.

Rising Violence Against Prison Staff

Recent data shows a troubling increase in assaults on prison staff. In the 12 months up to December 2024, assault rates rose by 13%. There were also 10,496 assaults recorded in the 12 months leading up to September 2024, representing a 23% increase compared to the previous year.

Notable incidents include the April 2024 attack at HMP Frankland, where Hashem Abedi targeted prison staff with boiling oil and homemade weapons, injuring four officers. Similarly, Axel Rudakubana allegedly poured boiling water over a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh in May. These events have accelerated the push for additional safety measures.

Additional Safety Measures

In response to these threats, union leaders have called for better protective equipment, including stab vests. In June, Ms. Mahmood announced that officers would be required to wear body armor in high-risk areas such as close supervision centers, separation centers, and segregation units.

During a recent demonstration, officers in Kidlington showcased their emergency response protocols through two scenarios: one involving a hostage situation and another where three inmates assaulted a fourth. In both cases, officers demonstrated the use of loud pyrotechnics and Tasers to manage violent situations.

Technology Behind the Tasers

The trial will utilize the Taser 7 model, which delivers 50,000 volts when fired, reducing to 1,500 volts upon contact with the skin to incapacitate the target. The T7 is a two-shot weapon, allowing for a second shot if the first misses. Officers will wear the Tasers on their tactical vests in secure holsters, serving as a visible deterrent to inmates.

The devices also collect data on usage, including duration armed, discharge time, and any malfunctions. This information will be crucial in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the Taser deployment.

Considerations for Custodial Settings

Ms. Mahmood highlighted the differences between Taser use in police settings and custodial environments. “These are exactly the lessons that the trial will be looking to use,” she said, emphasizing the need for tailored protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Additional Security Measures

The Taser trial is part of a £40 million package aimed at enhancing security across the prison estate. This includes £10 million allocated for anti-drone measures like new netting and reinforced windows.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) stated that all Taser deployments will be subject to robust accountability measures, with each use reviewed thoroughly.

Union Response

While the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) welcomed the Taser initiative, they urged the government to address the root causes of violence in prisons. “Violence in our prisons is out of control,” a POA spokesperson said, adding that issues like overcrowding, understaffing, and drug presence must be tackled urgently.

This trial represents a critical step in improving safety for prison staff, but it also highlights the need for comprehensive reforms to address the underlying challenges within the prison system.