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<p>The risks presented by the illicit use of drones in prisons are significant, as
is the profound impact on prison safety and security. We rightly take a zero tolerance
approach to smuggling of contraband into prisons and work closely with the police
and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure those caught are prosecuted. To date,
there has been a total of 35 arrests and 11 convictions of criminals involved in drone
activity – resulting in those convicted are sentenced to a total of more than 40 years
in jail.</p><p> </p><p>I consider that there are risks presented by the publication
of the data requested, which have the potential to cause further instability and increase
violence and disorder in prisons, prejudicing the safe running of our institutions.</p><p>
</p><p>The data requested would be likely to be used by some to subvert the effectiveness
of our current counter measures. This is because the information is likely to prove
invaluable to those engaged in criminality within prisons.</p><p> </p><p>Disclosure
of this information could also prejudice any ongoing investigation of a drone incident
and risk alerting possible suspects as well as weaken the possibilities of future
arrests.</p>
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