Inmates will be given phones in cells in attempt to curb violence

PRISONERS are to be given phones in their cells to stop violence and crime in jail, David Gauke will announce today.

In a speech on prison reform, the Justice Secretary will announce plans to invest £7million on introducing incell telephones in England and Wales.

While the scheme is already in place at 20 establishments, plans are under way to extend it to another 20 over the next two years.

Currently, most prisoners queue for public phones on the landings, which can be a trigger for violence or fuel demand for illicit mobile phones, the Ministry of Justice said.

However officials emphasised that in-cell phones were subject to strict security measures. It added that all calls are recorded, users can only call a few pre-approved numbers and active monitoring can be introduced if there is any suspicion the service is being abused for crime.

Prisoners will continue to pay to make calls, the ministry added.

The move forms part of efforts to improve inmates’ ability to maintain ties with relatives after they are jailed, which is seen as a key factor in reducing the chances of returning to crime.

Last year a report by Lord Farmer found that good family relationships are “indispensable” to prison reform plans.

In his speech today, Mr Gauke will say: “Decency also extends to how we treat prisoners fairly and consistently, with time out of their cells and opportunities to maintain family relationships.”

The announcement on in-cell phones is part of a £30 million package to improve safety, security and decency across the prison estate following several years of surging levels of violence, self-harm and drug use.

In another step, every prisoner will be given a “risk rating” under plans to limit the influence of criminal figures behind bars. Inmates will be assessed according to their chances of taking part in violence, escapes, disturbances and gang activity.

The new digital tool compiles data from law enforcement databases and prison incident reports.

The speech comes a day before the Government’s record on prisons comes under further scrutiny with the publication of an annual report by Peter Clarke, the chief inspector of prisons.