Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 195
195
Rejected
Manage key OCG operators under enhanced security, segregating them from general prison population
Recommendation
Individuals identified as key OCG operators must be managed under enhanced security protocols and, where possible, segregated from the general prison population to prevent them from exploiting vulnerable prisoners and staff to maintain their “clean profile”. The practice of merely transferring these individuals between prisons, which leads to spikes in violence and drug use in the prison to which they are transferred, is ineffective. (Recommendation, Paragraph 114)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to segregate individuals solely based on OCG involvement, citing current legislation. However, they are commissioning work to consider how to manage regimes for SOC-linked prisoners and are undertaking a research study on debt within prisons, with findings due in 2026 to inform future policy.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Reject We recognise how SOC operators can exploit vulnerable prisoners, creating debt and driving violence and self-harm, which undermines safety and stability across the prison estate. However, we do not accept the recommendation to segregate individuals solely on the basis of Organised Crime Group (OCG) involvement, as this would not be allowed under current legislation. We have recently commissioned work to consider how regimes for prisoners linked to SOC groups can be managed more effectively, drawing on research, evidence and learning from our overseas partners. We are also improving our understanding of the nature, extent, and repercussions of debt within prisons, including its impact on violence, through a major external research study. We anticipate receiving the final report from the academic leading the research in 2026, which will inform future policy decisions.