 |
answer text |
<p>The illegal use of mobile phones in prisons is one of the most significant threats
facing our prisons. Illicit mobile phones undermine good order and control in prisons,
and perpetuates ongoing criminality. They are used by prisoners for a range of criminal
purposes, including drug supply, witness intimidation, extreme violence, involvement
in organised crime and successful escapes. In the 12 months to March 2018 there were
15,036 mobile phones found in prisons, along with 9,345 SIM cards. This is an increase
of 9% and 30% respectively compared with the previous 12-month period.</p><p> </p><p>Her
Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has implemented a threefold approach
to tackling the threat posed by mobile phones in prisons:</p><p> </p><ul><li>To minimise
the number of phones entering prisons, we are strengthening our gate and perimeter
security. This includes drafting specialist search teams into prisons across the country
and extending the use of X-ray body scanners more widely across the prison estate
to detect when prisoners are internally concealing contraband.</li><li>To strengthen
our efforts to find phones that do enter prisons, we recently announced the installation
of new phone detection technology in a number of prisons that will allow prison officers
to pinpoint mobile phone signals down to precise cells. Through the Prisons (Interference
with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2018, we have additionally expanded blocking powers
to allow us to work with mobile network providers to disrupt the use of illicit phones
in prisons.</li><li>We have also made significant improvements to our ability to forensically
analyse seized phones and go after the criminal groups that supply them. For example,
we have delivered new kits at 30 prisons to allow officers to download data quickly
from illicit phones seized from prisoners.</li></ul>
|
|
