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<p>The physical, emotional and social wellbeing of our staff is paramount. All HMPPS
staff have access to an occupational health service, and employee assistance programme.
This includes 24-hour, 365 days a year access to signposting and counselling, and
trauma support services.</p><p>Violence against our hard-working staff will never
be tolerated. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act came into force in
November and doubled sentences for those who attack emergency workers, including prison
officers. Post-incident care teams, occupational health support, counselling and clinical
treatment are available for those who experience trauma while doing their jobs.</p><p>
</p><p>We are investing £100 million investment to boost security and combat crime
in prisons. Tough airport-style security, including x-ray scanners and metal detectors,
will be put into prisons across the estate to clamp down on the drugs, weapons and
mobile phones that fuel violence – increasing the risk to our officers and hindering
rehabilitation.</p><p> </p><p>Psychoactive substances have presented a particular
challenge and in September 2016, we became the first prison service in the world to
introduce innovative mandatory drug tests for these substances, a significant step
in tackling the supply and use of them.</p><p>Following reports from staff of the
effects of secondary inhalation Her Majesty's Prison & Probation Service commenced
work with unions, independent scientists and clinicians to assess the impact of reported
secondary exposure to psychoactive substances. A programme of voluntary post-exposure
biological testing of staff is now being expanded and will enable an assessment of
the biological effects on staff to be made.</p>
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