Frontline prison officers working in the highest risk areas of
the prison estate will be issued protective body armour under
swift Government action to improve their safety, the Lord
Chancellor announced today (Tuesday 3 June).
Following the horrific attack on three officers at HMP Frankland
on 12 April, the Prison Service commissioned a snap review into
whether protective body armour – also known as stab-proof vests –
should be rolled out to staff.
The Lord Chancellor has now confirmed new protective vests will
be made mandatory for prison officers working in Close
Supervision Centres and Separation Centres which hold the most
dangerous offenders in the estate.
Officers working with prisoners held in segregation units within
the high-security estate will also benefit from the
rollout.
Speaking in the House of Commons today, the Lord
Chancellor, said:
"I know this House shares my anger at recent attacks against
prison officers.
“After the awful events at HMP Frankland, I commissioned a review
of the use of protective body armour.
“Today, I can announce I will mandate its use in Close
Supervision Centres, Separation Centres, and Segregation Units in
the High Security Estate.
“When Jonathan Hall's independent review into the Frankland
attack reports, I will take any further steps necessary to
protect our brave staff.”
Today's announcement follows extensive engagement with frontline
staff, trade unions and uniformed services like the police who
already use protective body armour.
As part of this engagement, some staff raised concerns on armour
being rolled out more widely in prisons, in particular that it
could be too heavy and restrictive for everyday use. It was also
noted that officers already have equipment available to them to
help reduce the risk of assaults including Body Worn Video
Cameras, batons, PAVA spray and handcuffs.
The review concluded that more evidence is needed before rolling
out vests to all prison officers. The Lord Chancellor will now
take this forward and will not hesitate to go further if needed
to keep staff safe.
The Lord Chancellor confirmed last month
Jonathan Hall KC will chair the independent review into the
events at HMP Frankland and whether separation centres are fit
for purpose.
