UK: prison officers to get body-worn cameras in £3m jail safety boost

Officers welcome MoJ’s new measures for England and Wales, including trial of incapacitant spray, but say nothing can replace correct staffing levels.

Prison officers are to receive body-worn cameras as part of a £3m investment to improve safety in jails, the Ministry of Justice has announced.

The MoJ revealed it was investing £2m in 5,600 cameras, meaning every prison officer across England and Wales will have access to the devices. A further £1m is being invested in “police-style” handcuffs and restraints to reduce the need for staff to use physical holds to control aggressive prisoners.

Four prisons – HMP Wealstun, HMP Risley, HMP Preston and HMP Hull – will also trial the use of incapacitant spray, similar to pepper spray, for dealing with violent offenders.

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