In a significant development concerning prison security in England, the Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced that Tasers will soon undergo trials in certain correctional facilities. This decision comes in the wake of a serious incident involving Hashem Abedi, the brother of the infamous Manchester Arena bomber, Salman Abedi. During an attack at HMP Frankland, located in County Durham, guards were injured by Abedi, who employed improvised weapons fashioned from everyday items available in the prison kitchen.
The context for this trial stems from heightened concerns about prison staff’s safety, particularly after three guards required hospital treatment due to the April 12 assault. While two of the guards have since been discharged, one remains hospitalized. This attack, highlighted by Mahmood during a session in the House of Commons, illustrated the urgent need for enhanced security measures within prisons, especially given that Abedi was known to inhabit a segregation unit designed for the most dangerous and extremist inmates.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has long advocated for the introduction of Tasers within prisons. Association Chairman Mark Fairhurst expressed skepticism about the need for a trial, urging immediate access to these weapons for guards. He contended that further delay could lead to dire consequences, emphasizing that the dangers facing officers are immediate and tangible. “Our lives are on the line,” he declared, firmly advocating for immediate action instead of prolonged discussions.
While the Justice Secretary affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing security for both staff and the public, the clarity around the Taser trials remains lacking. Mahmood did not elaborate on the specifics of the trial or its duration, saying only that the HM Prison and Probation service would begin the trial of electric stun guns. Additionally, she announced plans for an independent review to investigate how the recent attack occurred, and how prison staff can be better protected moving forward.
Previously, Mahmood had initiated a “snap review” regarding the use of protective gear, such as body armor, for prison officers, acknowledging the risks they face daily. In her comments, she praised the bravery of the officers involved in the recent incident, noting that their actions notably contributed to preventing further injury or loss of life.
The ongoing threats within the prison system are underscored by Hashem Abedi’s notorious background. Convicted for his involvement in the tragic 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which resulted in the death of 22 individuals, Abedi had already been previously disciplined and moved due to another assault on staff at Belmarsh prison in 2020. His relocation to HMP Frankland was intended to contain such dangerous individuals, but the recent events have raised serious questions about prison security protocols.
Mr. Fairhurst’s demands for a more robust equipment rollout in high-security facilities underscore the pressing need for immediate and effective solutions to safeguard prison staff. Currently, prison officers are equipped with only basic defensive tools such as extendable batons and synthetic pepper spray, which may not suffice against determined attacks from inmates like Abedi.
In summary, the trial of Tasers in prisons aims to enhance the safety of officers amid a worrying trend of violence within correctional facilities. While the Justice Secretary’s commitments are a positive step, the necessity for prompt and effective action remains a critical priority for ensuring the safety of staff and the overall integrity of the prison system.
