| answer text |
<p>We publish extensive data about assaults. The most recent can be seen in <em>Assaults
in prison custody 2000 to 2017</em>, at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-june-2018"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-june-2018</a>.</p><p>That
spreadsheet includes breakdowns by seriousness, assailant/victim type, weapons used
and injuries sustained, as well as various demographic and offence and sentence-related
factors. It also provides figures for each prison.</p><p> </p><p>In order to improve
safety, we have recruited 4,300 new prison officers over the last two years, with
1,400 more due to begin training soon. We are investing an extra £70 million to improve
safety, security and decency, and we are equipping officers with PAVA incapacitant
spray to help prevent serious harm to staff and prisoners when dealing with violent
incidents. We are also tackling the drugs that we know are fuelling much of the violence
in custody. This includes spending on new x-ray scanners, drug-detection dogs, phone-blocking
technology and dedicated search teams.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Government supported
the recent Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, which increases sentences
for those who attack emergency workers, including prison officers.</p>
|
|
