Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 189
189
Accepted
Current detection technologies outpaced by sophisticated drones and illicit mobile phone use
Conclusion
While the recent £40 million investment in prison security is a welcome step, current drug detection technologies are being outpaced by the sophistication of drones and the criminal networks behind them. The ability of criminals to leverage illicitly acquired mobile phones for remote coordination and financial transactions undermines traditional security measures and facilitates the delivery of drugs by drone. This represents a significant risk to both staff and prisoners and requires a more robust and urgent response than has been provided to date. The constant advances in drone technology mean that keeping pace with countermeasures is a significant challenge. (Conclusion, Paragraph 102)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's focus on security challenges, highlighting significant ongoing investments of over £40 million in physical security, including anti-drone measures and X-ray body scanners across prisons. They also note new legislation introduced 400m drone 'no-fly zones' and continued collaboration with law enforcement to tackle contraband.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We appreciate the Committee’s focus on security within our prisons and wish to emphasise the significant steps taken to strengthen our defence against the supply of drugs, often fuelled by Serious and Organised Crime (SOC). This financial year, MoJ is investing over £40 million in physical security across 34 prisons, including £10 million on anti-drone measures, to help prevent drugs entering prisons. This includes window replacements, external window grilles and specialist netting across 15 priority prisons. X-ray body scanners are now in place across all prisons in the closed adult male estate, with over 53,000 positive indications as of March 2024. In addition to this, new legislation in 2024 introduced 400m drone ‘no-fly zones’ around prisons and young offender institutions, supporting police and prison staff to disrupt illegal drone use. MoJ continue to work closely with law enforcement to tackle the problem of contraband in prisons. Notably, earlier this year, the Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA) directed police chiefs nationally to work with HMPPS to jointly tackle the threat drones pose, helping to prevent drugs and contraband entering prisons.