UK Prison Officers Demand Electric Stun Guns Amid Safety Concerns
Prison officers seek improved protective measures after recent violent incidents in high-security jails
Prison officers are set to meet with the justice secretary to demand the introduction of electric stun guns as a means of protecting themselves while on duty in the UK's most dangerous prisons.
The meeting follows an incident at HMP Frankland in County Durham, where Hashem Abedi, one of the men responsible for the Manchester Arena bombing, attacked officers with hot oil and makeshift weapons.
Prison officers currently carry extendable batons and Pava incapacitant spray, but are seeking additional measures to ensure their safety in high-risk situations.
The Prison Officers' Association is calling for specially trained staff to be equipped with tasers to neutralize threats.
The organization is also renewing calls for all staff to have access to stab vests.
Furthermore, there are proposals to introduce American 'Supermax'-style rules for the UK's most dangerous inmates, which would include restrictions on their movement and interactions with other prisoners.
An independent review into the incident at HMP Frankland has been announced, and will examine whether changes to policies or processes are needed to improve safety in high-security prisons.
The Ministry of Justice has also initiated an internal review into protective body armour for prison officers.
Abedi, who was jailed for life for his role in the Manchester Arena bombing, has been returned to Belmarsh prison following the incident at HMP Frankland.
The meeting follows an incident at HMP Frankland in County Durham, where Hashem Abedi, one of the men responsible for the Manchester Arena bombing, attacked officers with hot oil and makeshift weapons.
Prison officers currently carry extendable batons and Pava incapacitant spray, but are seeking additional measures to ensure their safety in high-risk situations.
The Prison Officers' Association is calling for specially trained staff to be equipped with tasers to neutralize threats.
The organization is also renewing calls for all staff to have access to stab vests.
Furthermore, there are proposals to introduce American 'Supermax'-style rules for the UK's most dangerous inmates, which would include restrictions on their movement and interactions with other prisoners.
An independent review into the incident at HMP Frankland has been announced, and will examine whether changes to policies or processes are needed to improve safety in high-security prisons.
The Ministry of Justice has also initiated an internal review into protective body armour for prison officers.
Abedi, who was jailed for life for his role in the Manchester Arena bombing, has been returned to Belmarsh prison following the incident at HMP Frankland.
