PR 311: WE NEED URGENT ACTION AND INVESTMENT NOT MORE WARM WORDS SAYS PRISON OFFICERS' LEADER

The Leader of the Union representing the UK's 35,000 Prison Officers has called for "urgent action and investment" to address the crisis in the UK's Prisons and stem the rising tide of violence faced by his members.

The call comes in response to the Government's announcement that former Tory Home Secretary, Amber Rudd will lead a review of the Prison System in England and Wales. 

 

Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the POA said;

"Over my 36 years working in the Criminal Justice System we have had dozens of reviews that end up lying on a shelf gathering dust. If we are to have yet another review it should be a serious, holistic and comprehensive Royal Commission into the entire Justice System that covers Policing, the Courts, the Prison System, Social Work, the Third Sector and more.  

In the here and now, we need urgent action and investment to arrest the rising tide of violence and intimidation faced by our members and indeed by the prisoners they look after.

Overcrowding, understaffing, drugs, contraband and the influence of organised crime gangs are creating a hostile working environment. This is causing experienced Officers to leave the service and preventing new Officers from joining. 

The system is failing prisoners, staff and society. The Government must invest in the greatest asset the Prison Service has: its people."

 

ENDS

 

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office                                                  020 8803 0255 Option 7