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<p>HM Prison and Probation Service does not currently have legal permission to use
X-ray body scanners on staff working in prisons. As such, no prison officers are searched
by an X-ray body scanner upon entry to prison.</p><p>All persons may be searched on
entry to or within prisons, including prison staff. Arrangements for staff searching
are set out in a prisons Local Security Strategy.</p><p>The vast majority of staff
are hardworking and dedicated. A minority of staff engage in corrupt activity which
is often as a result of conditioning and manipulation by prisoners.</p><p>Through
the Government’s £100 million Security Investment Programme (SIP) we have bolstered
prison security, such as physical measures to stop illicit items from entering prisons.
These include extending X-ray body scanners to all closed male prisons, and installing
Enhanced Gate Security at 42 high risk sites with archway metal detectors and the
regular use of sniffer dogs. We have also since installed X-ray baggage scanners at
49 establishments. Additionally, through SIP investment, we have introduced mobile
phone blocking and detection capabilities. We have also expanded HMPPS’ Counter Corruption
Unit to effectively support the resilience of our hardworking prison officers to coercion
by criminals. Furthermore, we have enhanced our partnership working through the development
of a Multi-Agency Response to Serious Organised Crime.</p>
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