| answer text |
<p /> <p>The Government does not tolerate violence of any kind within the prison estate,
and prisoner safety is treated extremely seriously. Tackling violence in prisons is
a priority for this Government, and steps are being taken to manage levels of violence
within a complex and challenging prison population. We will be issuing new guidance
to public sector and contracted prison providers on managing violence early next year.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>The recently announced joint national protocol between National Offender
Management Service (NOMS), the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on the
appropriate handling of crimes in prison strengthens existing policy and requirements
on the reporting of serious assaults or other serious crime occurring in custody so
that this type of crime can be targeted. The protocol will be published before the
end of the financial year following final consultation.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>G4S, who manage HMP Altcourse, are preparing an action plan to address
any strategic weaknesses, to be overseen by Phil Wheatley, formerly Director General
of NOMS. They are in the process of revising HMP Altcourse’s local Incentive and Earned
Privilege (IEP), Violence Reduction and Safer Custody strategies. They are also arranging
for the provision of additional resources to support local management in security
and residential functions.</p><p> </p><p>NOMS regularly carries out operational audits
and assessments of all aspects of prisoner safety at all prisons and will continue
to monitor HMP Altcourse’s progress closely.</p>
|
|
