Protective body armour for prison officers

In a significant move to bolster the safety of frontline prison officers, the Lord Chancellor announced today that protective body armour will be issued to staff working in the highest risk areas of the prison estate. Following a traumatic attack on three officers at HMP Frankland on 12 April, a swift review was commissioned to evaluate the necessity of protective body armour, commonly referred to as stab-proof vests, for prison personnel. Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor, confirmed that the new protective vests would be made mandatory for officers operating within Close Supervision Centres and Separation Centres that house the most dangerous offenders.

While announcing this vital decision in the House of Commons, Shabana Mahmood expressed her shared anger regarding the assaults on prison staff, stating, “I know this House shares my anger at recent attacks against prison officers.” She further elaborated on the findings from the review, saying, “Today, I can announce I will mandate its use in Close Supervision Centres, Separation Centres, and Segregation Units in the High Security Estate.”

The rollout is also aimed at protecting officers assigned to segregation units within the high-security estate. The decision follows extensive consultations with frontline staff, trade unions, and uniformed services, like the police, who already utilise protective body armour. During these discussions, concerns were raised about the potential discomfort of wearing such equipment, with some officers noting that it could be too heavy and restrictive for daily use. Moreover, it was pointed out that officers currently possess various safety equipment, including Body Worn Video Cameras, batons, PAVA spray, and handcuffs, to mitigate risks of assaults.

The independent review into the Frankland attack, led by Jonathan Hall KC, is ongoing, and the Lord Chancellor indicated that further steps may be taken based on its findings. “When Jonathan Hall’s independent review into the Frankland attack reports, I will take any further steps necessary to protect our brave staff,” Mahmood affirmed. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety of those dedicated to maintaining order in the high-stakes environment of the prison system.