Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 197
197
Accepted
Advanced drug detection technology is an essential prerequisite for preventing drug ingress
Conclusion
A major obstacle to tackling drug supply is the disparity in security equipment provision between prisons. The prisons that utilise drug detection technology demonstrate its profound and immediate impact on security. This confirms that investments in advanced detection machinery are not optional, but rather an essential prerequisite for consistently detecting and preventing the ingress of drugs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 119)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's focus, highlighting ongoing investments of over £40 million in physical security across 34 prisons, including anti-drone measures. They note X-ray body scanners are now in all closed adult male prisons and new legislation has introduced drone 'no-fly zones', demonstrating current efforts to address security and detection.
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.