Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 178
178
Deferred
Significant backlog in adjudication process undermines prison discipline and progression model
Conclusion
The significant backlog in the adjudication process, acknowledged by the Prisons Minister, undermines discipline in prisons. While current policy allows governors to balance punishment with support, we received evidence which shows this is not happening consistently. Some prisoners face no repercussions, while others are removed from rehabilitative programmes. The latter approach is completely counterproductive. The Earned Progression model set out in the Sentencing Bill should incentivise ‘good’ behaviour, such as abstaining from drug use and drug-related activities. However, the model will only be effective if it is underpinned by a reliable and timely adjudication process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 72)
Government Response Summary
The government's response details its efforts to counter drone technology threats to prisons, including security upgrades commencing by the end of 2025, rather than addressing the backlog in the adjudication process or its impact on the Earned Progression model.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We recognise the evolving threat posed by drone technology and agree that maintaining security measures ahead of criminal innovation is essential to protecting the prison estate and public safety. HMPPS works hard to deter, detect and disrupt the illegal use of drones targeting our prisons. Whilst we cannot share details on our counter-drone measures, as doing so would aid sophisticated serious and organised criminals, HMPPS uses suitable technology, alongside physical countermeasures and intelligence tools, with the support of law enforcement agencies, to disrupt those who use drones. We also work with UK and global partners to understand the tactics used abroad and identify opportunities to strengthen our response to illicit drone activity. Tackling drones requires a cross-Government approach, as well as learning from international counterparts. We are working with EU and Five Eyes partners who face similar challenges in their prison estates, as well as with cross-government partners such as the Home Office and Ministry of Defence. The MoJ is actively exploring research and development opportunities to strengthen our counter-drone capability. This includes scoping a comprehensive counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) strategy, leveraging foresight research, and launching industry challenges through programmes such as Defence and Security Accelerator and His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. These challenges will provide innovative and novel capabilities that are suitable for operational environments, ensuring safety and compliance with legal frameworks. We remain committed to delivering a robust, future- focused counter-drone strategy that anticipates emerging threats. In terms of improved drone-resistant physical security, a programme of works to upgrade security in the Estate—with a particular focus on high- risk sites—is in design and development, with delivery to commence by the end of 2025, and this has included developing new designs for key assets across the prison estate, to reduce the ability of drones to deliver directly to windows. We are taking steps to improve physical barriers including catenary wires, windows and window-grilles.