The Prison Officers Association Scotland (POAS) has called for an immediate and complete removal of vapes from Scotland's prisons, labeling them as 'dangerous' and stating the threat has reached a 'critical' level. Vapes were introduced to prisons in 2018 after the move to smoke-free facilities, with over 70% of inmates believed to smoke. However, the union argues that the devices are now fueling violence, enabling prisoners to smoke psychoactive substances, and being modified into weapons or used to cause explosions.
Union Report Highlights Urgent Need for Action
The POAS submitted a report to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) detailing the 'urgent need' for a phased withdrawal of both disposable and rechargeable vapes. John Cairney, Scottish National Committee Chair of the POAS, stated: 'It certainly wouldn’t be universally welcomed by them as some use them as a supportive mechanism so that’s where work with NHS boards would be needed to offer support services for those genuine users as we wouldn’t want to leave prisoners at risk. This ban is targeted on the ones who misuse it and use it to disrupt prison regime and who put our membership at risk daily.'
Vapes Linked to Violence and Drug Misuse
The union's 'Clear the Air' report asserts that vapes have become 'one of the most problematic items in the prison estate,' with devices being modified to smoke illicit substances like Spice, leading to 'unpredictable and dangerous behaviour' in prisoners. The report states: 'This contributes to violence, medical emergencies, and increased pressure on staff. Increasing drug misuse in prisons has coincided with the roll-out of vapes. Vapes have become a valuable and desirable commodity in prisons, heightening tension, causing bullying and leading to violence.'
Additionally, vape batteries have been used to start fires, power improvised devices, and cause explosions, with the report citing damage similar to that at Glasgow Central Station. Metal and plastic components have been sharpened or repurposed as weapons.
Financial and Operational Challenges
In 2019, shortly after their introduction, over £100,000 was spent on vaping kits for inmates. The POAS emphasizes there is no legal requirement to provide vapes, but there is a duty to protect staff and prisoners from harm. A separate study referenced in the report noted that e-cigarettes have become a new effective way for prisoners to consume psychoactive substances, and staff anticipated difficulties in tightening restrictions due to the scale and significance of vapes among the prison population.
Proposed Phased Withdrawal with Support
The POAS recommends a phased withdrawal with advanced notice to prisoners, along with a comprehensive nicotine replacement package including free patches, lozenges, and nasal sprays at an extra cost. The report states: 'Vapes now pose a significant health risk, fuel illicit drug use, undermine safety, and create operational challenges that SPS can no longer ignore. We urge SPS to adopt a structured, humane, and evidence-based plan to remove vapes from the prison estate while ensuring that prisoners receive the support they need to manage nicotine dependence safely.'
SPS Response
The Scottish Prison Service acknowledged the report and committed to discussing it through standing working groups, leading to a 'cross-directorate discussion.' An SPS spokeswoman said: 'The safety and wellbeing of our staff and those in our care is a key priority, and we work hard to prevent illicit substances entering our establishments. We are grateful to the POAS for the work they have undertaken in relation to the use of vapes and are committed to working in partnership with all our recognised trade unions to ensure that our prisons remain safe and secure.'
