Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 172
172
Accepted
Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of prison violence and systemic instability.
Conclusion
Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of violence, coercion and systemic instability within the prison estate. The prevalence of drugs creates a shadow economy where debts, which can accrue up to £10,000, are collected through intimidation and violence. The consequences extend beyond the prison walls, with criminal networks coercing family members to pay a prisoner’s debt, sometimes through sexual favours, smuggling or cuckooing. Furthermore, those in debt are routinely exploited, being forced to test new drugs, hold weapons, assault staff, and undermine security. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
Government Response Summary
The government has developed a 'Send legal mail to prisons' digital service to secure legal correspondence and is exploring new technologies to screen legal mail for illicit substances. They are committed to strengthening mail security, though mandating the digital service requires legislative change.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We recognise the importance of safeguarding legal privilege while preventing its exploitation for criminal purposes. The Ministry of Justice has developed a digital service, ‘Send legal mail to prisons’ which enables recognised legal representatives to send legal and confidential access mail to prisons more securely. Launched in 2022, the service simplifies the process of sending legal and confidential access mail to all prisons and helps prevent legal privilege being exploited by criminals. The service verifies senders through their Criminal Justice Secure Mail (CJSM) email and generates a unique barcode for each item of mail, enabling prison staff to scan and process mail based on verified sender information. This barcode is printed and included with the mail for tracking and identification. Access is limited to users with a CJSM email. This service is available across the estate and whilst not mandatory, (as there might be technical or other reasons why it cannot be used), steps will be taken to seek to ensure as much legal mail as possible is channelled through it. In accordance with the Authorised Communications Controls and Interception (ACCI) policy framework, prisons are permitted to intercept the communication between a prisoner and legal advisor when there is reasonable cause, such as reliable intelligence or intention of criminal intent. Due to the level of intrusiveness, applications to intercept this type of communication must be approved by the Central Authorities Bureau (CAB) and authorised by the DG CEO of HMPPS. Alongside these measures, the department is exploring the feasibility of new technologies to screen legal mail and correspondence for illicit substances. While we fully support the principle of the recommendation, we cannot immediately mandate the use of the digital service without legislative change. However, we remain committed to strengthening mail security through guidance, technology innovation, and continued engagement with legal stakeholders.