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<p>We do not hold data centrally on what proportion of prisoners released on temporary
licence supply drugs into prisons.</p><p> </p><p>By providing opportunities to work,
learn and build family ties, temporary release from prison helps ensure offenders
do not return to crime when they leave prison. We recognise that temporary release
presents a potential route by which drugs might enter a prison and this is a key consideration
in how the establishment operates its release on temporary licence (ROTL) regime.
All offenders released on ROTL are subject to rigorous individual risk assessment
and licence conditions. Returning with drugs is both a criminal offence and a breach
of the licence conditions, which can lead to suspension of ROTL and a return to closed
prison conditions, in addition to any other penalty.</p><p> </p><p>Evidence shows
the vast majority abide by their temporary release conditions, with the compliance
rate standing at well over 99%. Non-compliance is, and will continue to be, dealt
with robustly.</p><p> </p><p>To respond to the risk from drugs in prisons, we are
strengthening our gate and perimeter security, drafting specialist search teams into
prisons across the country and investing in physical and technical security counter
measures. Alongside this, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has developed
a new, national Prison Drugs Strategy, published in April 2019. The Strategy outlines
how HMPPS is working to restrict the supply of drugs, reduce demand through rehabilitative
activities, and support prisoners to build recovery from substance misuse.</p>
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