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<p>We have introduced a temporary emergency video calling service in recognition of
the importance of maintaining family contact while social visits have been temporarily
suspended in prisons in England and Wales. Due to the urgency of the situation and
the complexity required in assessing and approving a solution to provide these services,
a direct award under Regulation 32 (2) (c) was made. We have published information
regarding the provision of video calls on GOV.UK and made clear we will continue to
expand secure video calling to more establishments during this time.</p><p>The list
of prisons providing video calling visits to prisoners on the 18 June 2020 was as
follows; Berwyn, Bronzefiled, Buckley Hall, Chelmsford, Cookham Wood, Deerbolt, Downview,
Durham, Eastwood Park, Feltham, Full Sutton, Gartree, Guys Marsh, High Down, Hull,
Send, Stocken, Swinfen Hall, Wayland, Werrington, and Wetherby. We are currently engaged
with further establishments to train and help prepare them to introduce this service,
which means further establishments will go live at different times based on local
preparedness. Some establishments have encountered local network and connectivity
issues which have required bespoke technical solutions to be developed to allow them
to commence live calls.</p><p>The Ministry of Justice does not hold a central list
of offenders who are denied access, specific incidents that have led to issues, and
the costs involved with the system broken down by prison. In principle, all prisoners
will have access to video calls, however, Governors and Directors may withhold access
from prisoners where, based on an assessment of risk, to do so is necessary, non-discriminatory
and proportionate under Prison Rule 34 or YOI Rule 9. In these instances the reasons
for withholding access must be recorded. As we are in the process of implementing
provision more widely throughout the estate it is too early to make operational assessments,
however, this will be conducted at a suitable time.</p><p>At the appropriate time,
we will consider future options for video calling across the estate beyond Covid-19
restrictions, which may include a competition for such services.</p>
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