Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 180
180
Deferred
Inconsistent deployment of security measures undermines their effectiveness against criminal networks
Conclusion
Our observations confirmed that existing security measures, such as sniffer dogs, are often deployed in an inconsistent manner. For example, drug detection dogs being used for only a few instances in a day in some prisons, rather than as part of a comprehensive, high-volume strategy across 63 all entry points. This intermittent deployment allows organised criminal networks to easily exploit predictable security lapses and undermines the deterrent effect of detection technology. (Conclusion, Paragraph 78)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focuses on the existing Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) and its role in disrupting the illicit economy within prisons, rejecting the need for a new system beyond current arrangements, rather than addressing the inconsistent deployment of physical security measures like sniffer dogs.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
Partially accept The threat posed by illicit mobile phones and other contraband within prisons is escalating, and so we have a wide-ranging programme in place to prevent these from entering prisons in order to detect and disrupt their use by prisoners when they are smuggled in, and to investigate cases where a prisoner may have committed an offence. Prisons deploy a range of measures as part of their local security strategies to detect items of contraband, coming into and within prisons. These include enhanced gate security (which includes metal detection archways, handheld detectors, and X-Ray baggage scanners), X-Ray body scanners and frequent searching. HMPPS also use powers under the Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2012 to block the use of mobile phones. To strengthen our approach, HMPPS has recently concluded a tender for new mobile phone capabilities and is developing operational guidance and reviewing training packages to support and upskill staff and ensure that equipment is used effectively. We have dedicated search teams and regional resources protected to ensure skilled staff can maximise the impact of countermeasures within our prisons. HMPPS has long established intelligence analysis capabilities at local, regional, and national levels who are trained and capable of utilising the intelligence from the capabilities.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗