Prisoners to get phones in their cells to stop smuggling

PRISONERS are to get phones in their cells at a jail with a reputation for “widespread violence” to combat smuggling.

The cells at category B Bristol Prison, which has more than 600 inmates, are to have telephones and computers installed.

The scheme aims to combat mobile phones being smuggled into prison illegally. At present, inmates have to queue for communal phones.

The new computers will enable inmates to order food from the canteen or book training courses.

Officials say the calls will be strictly monitored and the computers will not be connected to the internet.

The Independent Monitoring Board

‘Prisoners who can keep in touch with family are far more likely to have their re-offending reduced’

at HMP Bristol said: “Prisoners who can keep in touch with family are far more likely to have their re-offending reduced. It also helps the prison target those who are using mobile phones for criminal activity more effectively.”

Mark Fairhurst, of the Prison Officers’ Association, added: “With the staffing shortages, there is a lot frustration because when a prisoner asks a member of staff to do something, it’s usually a couple of days or a week later before they get an answer. If they can do that in the cell, they know that it’s done and it takes away that frustration.”

More than 20,000 smuggled mobile phones and sim cards were recovered last year.