X-ray scanners intercepting thousands of smuggling attempts every
year
Updated detection technology allows clothes to be drug tested for
first-time
Airport-style security is the latest step in clampdown on
contraband behind bars
New figures reveal more than 46,900 suspect items have been
identified by the 75 high-tech X-ray body scanners installed in
all closed adult male prisons since July 2020. It demonstrates
the effectiveness of the Government’s £100m investment in prison
security and new technology to cut violence, drug use and
disruption on prison landings.
From this month, next-generation trace detection equipment will
also be used to test for traces of psychoactive substances such
as ‘spice’ embedded in clothing belonging to visitors or prison
officers. Previously only the clothes or materials of prisoners
were able to be tested.
This toughened security will continue the crack down on criminal
attempts to exploit smuggling routes that fuels violence,
addiction and crime behind bars.
Prisons and Probation Minister said:
Our clamp down to stop drugs, weapons and phones from getting
into prisons is working.
The new tech we’ve brought in is making prisons safer for staff
and ensuring prisoners focus on their rehab so we continue to cut
crime.
X-ray scanners across the prison estate have helped thwart
thousands of attempts to smuggle illicit items behind bars, often
via the bowels of prisoners. Items that have been uncovered
include mobile phones, charging leads, tobacco and drug packages.
The government’s investment of up to £100 million in bolstered
prison security measures has seen 95 prisons now equipped with
next-generation trace detection equipment and 75 equipped with
X-ray body scanners. Other measures include:
- The deployment of more than 150 specially trained drug
sniffer dogs to help crackdown on attempts to smuggle illicit
contraband behind bars.
- The recruitment of 140 additional counter corruption
personnel to help root out the dangerous few prison staff who
abuse our rules.
Anyone caught smuggling illicit contraband and fuelling violence
behind bars will face up to 10 years in prison.
