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Home Office;Prison Service

Answer

Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy in respect of the wearing by prison officers of name badges when on duty in a prison establishment in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [6210] Miss Widdecombe: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 29 November 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the wearing of name badges by prison officers when on duty in prison establishments in England and Wales. The current policy was introduced in July 1993 and made it a requirement for all members of the Prison Service coming into contact with prisoners or the public to wear name badges. The wearing of name badges was resisted by the trade unions, in particular the Prison Officers' Association, who advised its members not to conform. Governors were advised to encourage staff to wear name badges but not to take disciplinary action where they failed to do so. The policy was reviewed in July 1995 when it was decided to proceed with the introduction of a new style photo bearing security pass which would incorporate, along with other information, the bearer's name. The trade unions have been fully consulted, and have indicated that they have no objection in principle to the proposal. The new passes will be produced by an external bureau and tenders have been invited. It is expected that the contract will be let by the new year, and the passes should be introduced in establishments later in Spring 1997. The wearing of these passes will be mandatory for all those who work in prisons.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

6210; 286 c453W;286 c451-2W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Administration Identification Prisons Staff Security