PRT comment: announcement of Taser trial in prisons

Commenting on the announcement today (28 July) that some trained staff in prisons will be issued with Tasers as part of a trial, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust said:

“Violence is a symptom of overcrowded, under-resourced, and purposeless prisons. Tasers and stab-proof vests may help staff feel safer and, in extreme situations, contribute to restoring order with minimal force. But we must not confuse these reactive measures with a strategy to reduce violence at its source.

“The real drivers of prison violence—unsafe conditions, lack of purposeful activity, and poor mental health—can only be addressed through improved safety, decency, and respect. That means better staff training, supporting leadership development, and the political will to invest in prison conditions and reduce demand for drugs. These long-term reforms must be given equal priority if this government is serious about making prisons safer for everyone who lives and works in them.”