| answer text |
<p>We take a zero tolerance approach to drugs in prisons and have implemented a range
of initiatives in response to the use of dangerous psychoactive substances. These
initiatives include: mandatory drug testing across the prison estate, introducing
legislation so that anyone found in possession of psychoactive substances in prisons
can face up to two years in prison, and training over 300 drug detection dogs to specifically
detect psychoactive substances. We are also working with the Department of Health
and other partners to improve our understanding of the risks NPS present for offenders
and to provide appropriate information, guidance and support to offenders and those
working with them in prison.</p><p> </p><p>The Justice Secretary has been clear that
levels of violence in prisons are unacceptable and has announced a major overhaul
of the prison system including 2,500 extra frontline prison officers. These extra
officers and new safety measures will help us crack down on the toxic cocktail of
drugs, drones and mobile phones that are in our prisons. Our measures will create
prisons that are places of safety and reform, giving prisoners the education and skills
they need to turn their back on crime for good.</p>
|
|
