Arming prison officers is now a major proposal from the Conservative Party amid rising violence in UK prisons. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called for Tasers and baton rounds for specialist guards. He believes these tools will boost officers’ confidence when handling dangerous inmates.
Currently, prison staff in adult male jails use only extendable batons and Pava spray. The Conservatives now propose placing secure armouries in maximum-security prisons. Officers would access these weapons only during emergencies.
Moreover, Jenrick warned of an impending tragedy without urgent changes. He said it’s “only a matter of time” before an officer faces deadly harm. His plan would not put lethal weapons on daily patrols but allow access when threats escalate.
The arming prison officers plan follows a review led by former prison governor Ian Acheson. The Conservatives also want to issue high-collar stab vests to frontline staff. These measures aim to reduce injuries and raise morale among officers.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has supported stronger protections. It urged the government to provide stun guns to staff in the most dangerous jails. The union believes prison violence has reached an unacceptable level and requires immediate response.
The Ministry of Justice will launch a Taser trial this summer. Officials cautioned that giving officers lethal weapons could increase danger to staff. However, a fast-track review of protective gear is already in progress.
Labour quickly criticized the proposal. A party spokesperson blamed the Conservatives for long-term failures. They noted the government added fewer than 500 prison places while closing 1,600 high-security cells over 14 years.
Jenrick accepted these past mistakes. He admitted, “We should have done more.” But he emphasized his current mission is finding practical solutions. “Now in opposition, we must offer better ideas,” he said.
As the arming prison officers debate grows, safety and security dominate the political conversation. Officers face rising threats, and policymakers must act fast to protect them.
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