New report highlights transformative potential of secure digital access in prisons
The government should take decisive steps to expand secure digital access in prisons according to a new report from the Prison Reform Trust. The report Update and Restart calls for the digitisation of resettlement services; and the piloting of secure and limited internet access in resettlement prisons, and in an open prison to risk-assessed prisoners, to support rehabilitation and resettlement in the community.
The report highlights how digital tools such as in-cell telephony, video calls, and self-service kiosks have already positively transformed prison life. These innovations have strengthened family ties, improved access to education, and supported mental wellbeing, helping prisoners maintain autonomy and prepare for life after release.
However, the report also highlights the “digital wall” between prison and community, which hampers resettlement efforts. Prisoners are denied access to the necessary tools to help plan for their release, such as the ability to sort out employment, housing or welfare benefits for themselves. In recent years, these are services which have moved increasingly online.
At a recent Ministry of Justice event aimed at fostering collaboration with tech companies, the Lord Chancellor underscored the urgent need for digital reform across the justice system. “Today, we have an analogue justice system in a digital age,” she said, highlighting the growing disconnect between modern society and outdated prison infrastructure.
As a consequence, prisoners are reliant solely on staff to do the planning for them. In some cases, this is appropriate. However, it places a significant burden on staff, whilst removing autonomy and the opportunity for prisoners to prepare for their life in the community.
To address these gaps, the report outlines several recommendations:
- Continued Investment for Digital Infrastructure in Prisons: The Ministry of Justice should ensure that the pace of digital transformation in prisons is sustained, with investment to embed infrastructure for current ambitions and future resiliency.
- Digitising Resettlement Services: A pilot should be established in resettlement prisons to provide prisoners nearing release with secure internet access to arrange housing, jobs, ID, and banking.
- Piloting Internet Access in Open Prisons: Controlled trials of restricted internet access should be established for risk-assessed prisoners to support rehabilitation and resettlement.
- Upskilling Staff and Prisoners: Training frameworks to build digital literacy and confidence should be developed to ensure that existing technology is fully utilised.
- Global Collaboration: An international Managing Digital Risk forum should be established to share best practices to safely widen access to technology in prisons to more closely mirror life outside.
The report draws on a range of evidence, including a literature review, consultation visits, desk research, and advice from international experts. Between October 2021 and December 2022, visits were undertaken to four prisons in England and Wales, and a prison in Guernsey. The report was kindly funded by Tim Levy and the Network for Social Change.
Commenting, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said:
“Digital technology in prisons is no longer a ‘nice to have’ — it is an essential ingredient in developing autonomy, supporting staff, and enabling rehabilitation. By bridging the digital divide between prisons and the communities they will return to, we can help prisoners build better futures and reduce reoffending. Legitimate access to digital tools also has the potential to reduce demand for illicit mobile phones, improving safety and security for everyone in prison.”
