Advanced X-ray scanner installed at Yorkshire jail

AN ADVANCED X-ray body scanner has been installed at a Yorkshire prison to prevent drugs and other illegal items being smuggled to inmates as part of the Government’s £100m package to boost security.

The technology, installed at HMP Doncaster, allows staff to instantly see whether prisoners are attempting to smuggle in illegal contraband such as mobile phones, drugs and weapons.

The illegal items detected would have been destined for the prison wings, fuelling the illicit economy and potential violence.

John Hewitson, Serco Prison Director at HMP Doncaster, said: “The introduction of this new technology is having a very positive impact on our ability to intercept illegal contraband.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to people attempting to smuggle things like phones and drugs into the prison and we work closely with the police to prosecute anyone we find doing so.”

An additional 22 prisons have had the equipment installed in the last six months, meaning 51 prisons across England and Wales now have the technology, which has collectively already stopped more than 3,500 illegal items from getting into the hands of prisoners, statistics show.

The prisons chosen have been identified at most at risk of smuggling.

Prisons Minister Alex Chalk, inset, said: “The new technology is having a hugely positive impact, stemming the flow of contraband into jails and allowing staff to focus on rehabilitation. “The scanners form part of our wider aim to transform prisons, stepping up security to cut crime and ultimately better protecting the public.”

The equipment was funded by the Government’s £2.75bn commitment to transform the prison estate.

This includes £100m to bolster prison security, clamping down on the weapons, drugs and mobile phones that fuel violence, self-harm and crime behind bars.

There is also a £2.5bn package to provide 10,000 additional prison places and create modern, efficient jails that rehabilitate offenders, reduce re-offending and keep the public safe.

The Government has also earmarked £156m to tackle the most pressing maintenance issues to create safe and decent conditions for offender rehabilitation.