The UK government has initiated a trial allowing the use of Tasers in prisons to address escalating violence. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that specialist officers from Oxfordshire and Doncaster will be equipped with Taser 7 devices during high-risk incidents in adult male prisons across England and Wales. These devices, similar to those used by police, can deliver a 50,000-volt charge, dropping to about 1,500 volts upon contact.The Sun
The decision follows a significant rise in assaults on prison staff, with 10,605 reported over the past year—a 13% increase from the previous year. Notably, incidents involving high-profile inmates, such as Hashem Abedi, have highlighted the severity of the issue. The trial aims to enhance safety during emergencies like riots and hostage situations.
Demonstrations have shown how Tasers can be used to neutralize threats from multiple inmates. Mahmood emphasized that this is a preliminary phase, with evaluations to determine the feasibility of broader implementation. The trial will run until sufficient data is collected to assess its effectiveness.
The Prison Officers’ Association supports the initiative but urges the government to address underlying causes of violence, such as overcrowding and inadequate staffing levels. The outcome of this trial could influence future policies on prison security and staff protection.