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Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Monday, 3 February 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 February 2020 (named day). It was answered by Lucy Frazer (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 February 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prison Officers: Safety

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to ensure the safety of prison officers in Durham prison and young offenders institute.

Answer

Prison Officers are some of our finest public servants, and we do not underestimate the challenges faced by everyone working in prisons. We are committed to making prisons a safe place to work and providing prison officers with the right support, training and tools to empower them to do their jobs.

Prisoners who assault staff should feel the full force of the law. We are working closely with the CPS to ensure prosecutions of prisoners who assault staff along with the strongest possible punishment being imposed. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act increases sentences for those who assault prison officers.

We are rolling out prison officers body worn cameras, police-style restraints and PAVA incapacitant spray to prison officers to help them do their job more safely.

We have recruited more than 4,300 new prison officers over the last two years and we’re investing £2.75 billion to transform the estate, to make prisons safer and cut crime behind bars.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11533
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Safety Young offender institutions Prison officers HMP Durham
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk