The UK government has announced plans to equip prison staff with Tasers in an effort to tackle surging violence within the country's jails. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the controversial move, stating it was necessary to protect officers and maintain order.
The decision follows a sharp rise in assaults on prison staff, with recent figures showing a 15% increase in violent incidents over the past year. Critics, however, warn that introducing electroshock weapons could exacerbate tensions and lead to further abuse.
Safety Measure or Dangerous Escalation?
Ms Mahmood defended the policy, arguing: 'Our frontline prison officers face unprecedented levels of violence daily. Tasers provide a less-lethal option to de-escalate dangerous situations and protect both staff and inmates.'
Prison reform charities have condemned the decision, with the Howard League calling it 'a knee-jerk reaction that prioritises force over rehabilitation.' Amnesty International UK warned that 'arming prison staff with Tasers risks normalising excessive force in an already volatile environment.'
Training and Safeguards
The Ministry of Justice has outlined strict guidelines for Taser use, including:
- Mandatory intensive training for authorised officers
- Clear rules of engagement limiting use to imminent threat situations
- Body-worn cameras to record all deployments
- Independent review of every incident
The rollout will begin in high-security prisons before potentially expanding to other facilities. The Prison Officers Association has welcomed the move, citing officer safety concerns, while urging proper implementation.
