Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 174
174
Deferred
Mandate universal rollout of take-home naloxone kits and training for all leaving custody.
Conclusion
The MoJ and NHS England, or its successor, must mandate the immediate, universal rollout of take-home naloxone kits for all individuals leaving custody. This must be coupled with comprehensive, compulsory training for all prisoners and staff. This public health measure will help to mitigate the high risk of fatal opioid overdose immediately following release. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61)
Government Response Summary
The government's response does not address the recommendation to mandate universal take-home naloxone kits or provide compulsory training. Instead, it details existing external and internal scrutiny mechanisms for prison security, including HMIP inspections and HMPPS Security Audits.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We acknowledge the importance of independent scrutiny for the valuable insights it provides the prison system, and we acknowledge the importance of effective physical security measures at every prison. However, there is already significant external scrutiny in place. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) conducts unannounced inspections at every prison at least once every five years, although most are in fact inspected every two to three years. These inspections often include findings in relation to physical security measures and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) respond to any inspectorate key concerns with an action plan explaining how these concerns will be addressed. This external scrutiny is also supplemented by internal scrutiny in the form of the HMPPS Custodial Assurance delivery model. This second line assurance includes, but is not limited to, area and perimeter checks, searching, and effective local risk management, ensuring these are properly managed and maintained. An HMPPS Custodial Assurance Baseline & Build delivery programme is also underway, which will update historic security audit scores, providing all closed prisons with a Security Audit at least every two years going forward.