Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 196
196
Accepted in Part
Effective collaboration requires consistent intelligence sharing to disrupt OCG drone operations
Conclusion
Collaboration between HMPPS and law enforcement agencies, such as the National Crime Agency and local police, is critical in identifying and disrupting the OCGs behind drone operations. We are pleased to hear that HMPPS have developed good working relationships with law enforcement which has led to more arrests. However, success hinges on the consistent, continuous and proactive sharing of analytical work, timely intelligence and the elimination of information silos. (Conclusion, Paragraph 115)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, agreeing on the importance of strong partnerships and intelligence-sharing. They detail existing collaborations with law enforcement, but reject leading dedicated organised crime task forces, stating this is a responsibility for the Home Office and policing. They commit to supporting cross-government efforts and co-lead a new Quarterly Partnership Board.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Partially accept We recognise the serious threat posed by Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) seeking to compromise prison security through drone incursions and illicit mobile phones and we agree that strong partnerships and intelligence-sharing are essential in tackling these risks effectively. HMPPS already works closely with law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the police, through established tasking arrangements and intelligence-sharing protocols. Our Headquarters teams provide targeted support to the most at-risk prisons, ensuring that local security strategies are informed by national intelligence and operational priorities. In addition, our Area Intelligence Units play a critical role in gathering and analysing intelligence on serious and organised crime within prisons. While we do not accept the recommendation to lead dedicated task forces targeting organised crime – this responsibility sits with the Home Office and policing – we do remain committed to supporting cross government efforts. Through the SOC model, HMPPS funds 47 policing roles focused on combating SOC and corruption linked to prisons. We also co-lead the new Quarterly Partnership Prison and Probation Executive Oversight Board with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which coordinates joint activity to address threats such as illicit phones and drone-related criminality.