---

Home Office

Answer

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to reduce the amount of illegal drugs in prisons in England and Wales. [193155] Paul Goggins: A comprehensive framework of measures is in place to reduce the amount of illegal drugs in prisons. Passive drug dogs are used to detect traces of drugs on visitors, and other dogs are used actively to search for drugs within prisons, as part of a general drug search strategy. Closed circuit television systems are installed in all visits areas to monitor behaviour, and fixed and low-level furniture is used in visits areas to make it difficult to pass drugs undetected. Sanctions are taken against visitors suspected of smuggling drugs, including visit bans and closed visits. Where there is adequate evidence they are prosecuted. Prisons and police share intelligence about drug routes into prisons. A random sample of prisoners (5 or 10 per cent. depending on prison capacity) each month is required to submit to a drug test, and a positive test result will lead to disciplinary proceedings. All establishments use and contribute to a Drug Supply Reduction Good Practice Guide and a monthly security bulletin, both of which share information on ways of protecting against drugs. The Prison Service works with the Police Scientific Development Branch to strengthen physical and technical barriers, particularly in prisons, such as those in city centres, where public spaces are close to the perimeter walls. The Prison Service has a Professional Standards Unit to help to identify staff who may be involved in or at risk of corruption. It will provide relevant information to facilitate investigations.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c1101W;426 c1105W; 193155

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Crime prevention Drugs Prisons Misuse Visits

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk