Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 185
185
Deferred
Conduct proactive, unannounced annual inspections of physical security measures across all prisons
Conclusion
An independent security audit team, or existing reporting body, must conduct proactive, unannounced inspections of physical security measures, such as netting, window security and CCTV functionality, at every prison annually, regardless of the prison’s category. A response and action plan setting out how any failures will be rectified must be provided to HMPPS within 30 days. (Recommendation, Paragraph 86)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government response discussed local authority responsibilities for drug and alcohol treatment and funding, completely unrelated to the recommendation for independent prison security audits.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
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.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗