In the wake of an attack on officers at HMP Frankland, prison workers are advocating for the inclusion of electric stun guns in the arsenal available to staff in the country’s most hazardous prisons. The President of the Prison Officers' Association, Mark Fairhurst, emphasized the need for more tactical options when he meets with Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood this Wednesday. This discussion is prompted by a recent incident in which staff were assaulted with hot oil and improvised weapons by Hashem Abedi, known for his involvement in the Manchester Arena bombing plot.
Fairhurst expressed the urgency of the situation, noting that when confronted with life-threatening crises, officers often lack effective tools beyond extendable batons and synthetic pepper spray. He highlighted the necessity of having specially trained personnel on standby, equipped to deploy Tasers to effectively neutralize threats. In response, Mahmood acknowledged the public's outrage and concern regarding the safety of prison officers and committed to measures that would enhance their protection.
Moreover, the Ministry of Justice has initiated a review to consider whether frontline staff should be issued protective body armor following the alarming events. The attack resulted in injuries to four officers, with serious injuries necessitating hospitalization for three of them, as reported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East. In light of this incident, the Ministry has also halted access to kitchens in certain prison separation units, where the attack occurred.
The upcoming independent review will investigate how the attack unfolded and identify necessary changes to better safeguard prison officers going forward. Mahmood noted that this review would not only address the specific incident but also examine the broader operations of separation centres. Additionally, an audit will be conducted to ensure the implementation of 230 recommendations stemming from 19 separate reviews focused on tackling extremism within prison environments.
9 Comments
Habibi
This shouldn't be controversial. It's about protecting people who are at risk of serious harm, sometimes deadly harm.
Muchacho
This just increases the risk of staff using excessive force. It's not a good solution.
Bermudez
The focus should be on de-escalation training and mental health support for both staff and inmates, not more weapons.
Muchacha
Absolutely disagree! I think that this is an abuse of power. These kinds of weapons should stay out of prisons. The government needs to invest in rehabilitation, NOT more violence.
Bella Ciao
The safety of these officers should be the priority. Tasers are a far less lethal option than other possible attacks.
moshiurroney
These weapons can cause long-term physical and psychological damage to the victim, this is counterproductive!
Leonardo
I'm glad they're considering body armor, too. Their safety is paramount.
Raphael
Those inmates are lucky they weren't shot! Those staff members probably were thinking about their families at the time.
Katchuka
It's appalling what these staff members have to deal with. Providing them with means of self-defense is a good idea.