Taser Trial for Prison Guards to Reduce Violence

New Measures to Address Violence in Prisons

In a significant move aimed at reducing violence within male prisons in England and Wales, specially trained staff will be equipped with Tasers as part of a new trial. This initiative comes in response to rising concerns about the safety of both prison staff and inmates, as well as the increasing number of assaults reported in recent years.

Recent data has revealed that over £20 million has been paid out in damages for assaults on prison staff and prisoners over the past five years. This figure highlights the severity of the issue and underscores the need for effective solutions. The government is currently evaluating whether the use of electric stun guns should be expanded beyond the trial period, which is set to take place this summer.

The Prison Officers' Association (POA) has emphasized that the high levels of violence in prisons are an urgent problem that requires immediate attention. According to the POA, the introduction of Tasers is long overdue and could play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of prison staff.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her support for the trial, stating that the government will not allow prisons to be governed by fear or disorder. She noted that protective body armor is already being rolled out, and the Taser trial is an essential step in equipping staff with the tools they need to stay safe.

Overcrowding and Its Consequences

Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the POA, pointed out that overcrowding in prisons has been a longstanding issue. He explained that the lack of space leads to boredom among prisoners, which can result in drug abuse and violent behavior. Fairhurst stressed that staff must have access to the necessary personal protective equipment to manage these situations effectively and prevent serious injuries.

The Tasers will be issued to a specialized national unit that will respond to complex and serious incidents in men's prisons. These include hostage situations and riots, where the risk to safety is particularly high.

Personal Experiences and Advocacy

The decision to introduce Tasers follows a recent attack on three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Claire Lewis, a former officer who was stabbed by a prisoner 15 years ago and still suffers from severe PTSD, supports the limited use of Tasers in specific situations. She believes that Tasers are useful in planned extractions or when there is an assault on a wing.

Lewis also advocates for all officers to be equipped with stab-proof vests. She argues that if she had been wearing one during her attack, she would not have suffered such a severe injury. Her experience highlights the importance of providing adequate protective gear to prison staff.

Rising Assaults and Innovative Tactics

New Ministry of Justice figures show that the number of staff assaulted in adult prisons across England and Wales reached a record high last year. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 334 compensation claims for prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, 232 prisoner-on-staff cases, and 104 claims of staff assaulting inmates.

Joan, a former prison worker in southeast England, described the creative ways in which prisoners use items to attack each other. She mentioned that they used snooker balls in socks and even made knives from tuna cans. Joan also recalled an incident where an officer was "kettled," meaning hot water was thrown over him.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to the Taser trial, the Prison Service is increasing the number of full lockdown searches in high-security jails to prevent contraband that contributes to violence. Last month, anti-drone measures such as new netting and reinforced windows were announced to enhance security further.

Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors' Association, supports the Taser trial for specialist officers but is cautious about a wider rollout. He expressed concerns that issuing Tasers to all officers daily could pose additional risks, especially if they fall into the wrong hands.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding effective ways to ensure the safety of prison staff and inmates while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to violence within the prison system.