In recent developments aimed at enhancing security within England and Wales’ prisons, the government has launched a trial program that will issue Tasers to specially trained staff in male correctional facilities. This initiative is primarily a response to the escalating rates of violence among prisoners and against prison officers, reflected by alarming statistics revealing that over £20 million has been disbursed in the past five years due to assaults on both personnel and inmates. The Ministry of Justice is keen to assess the broader implications of this trial and determine if the use of electric stun guns should be expanded beyond this pilot initiative.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has been vocally supportive of this measure, arguing that the ongoing crisis of violence in prisons is an issue that demands immediate attention and that incorporating Tasers into the existing safety protocols is long overdue. According to Mark Fairhurst, the national chairman of the POA, the overcrowding in prisons has—over the past several decades—contributed to a dichotomy of boredom and drug abuse, which often leads to violent outbursts. He emphasizes the necessity for staff members to be equipped with appropriate protective gear, such as Tasers, to prevent severe injuries during violent encounters.
The trial will involve a dedicated national unit that responds to significant threats within prisons, which may include hostage situations as well as potential riots. Recent commentary by Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the prison system is maintained in an orderly manner, free from fear and chaos. Mahmood noted that the administration is also provisioning for body armor for staff, which complements the newly introduced Taser program.
This deployment of Tasers is particularly pertinent in light of past violent incidents, including an attack in April 2025 at HMP Frankland in County Durham, where three prison officers were assaulted. Claire Lewis, a former officer who was severely injured in an incident years earlier, expressed guarded optimism regarding the Taser rollout. She underlined the importance of using the Tasers in specific scenarios—such as planned extractions or when an officer is under direct assault—while advocating for additional protective measures like stab-proof vests to safeguard staff.
Despite the hopeful outlook surrounding the introduction of Tasers, the Ministry of Justice is faced with growing evidence illustrating the increasing frequency of violent incidents in prisons. National figures indicate a record number of assaults on prison staff was reported last year, with the number of claims for assaults rising sharply since 2020, as compiled from BBC investigations. Reports by individuals like Joan—a pseudonym for a former prison worker—paint a disturbing picture of the kinds of weapons that are now being fashioned within prison walls, illustrating the lengths inmates will go to harm one another and staff alike.
The situation has led to calls for more stringent measures, such as ramping up security searches in high-risk prisons, aimed at curtailing the flow of contraband that fuels this violence. Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors’ Association, supported the use of Tasers in limited capacity by specialized teams, cautioning against a broader issuance to all staff members, which he posited could create additional risks if a Taser were to fall into the hands of an inmate.
Ultimately, this trial reflects a heightened urgency to address safety and security concerns within the prison system, as authorities consider innovative solutions to reduce violence while simultaneously protecting both inmates and personnel. As the pilot unfolds, its outcomes will likely shape future policy decisions surrounding the management of conflict and violence in prisons across England and Wales. The overarching goal, as stated by policymakers, is to foster a safer environment that does not succumb to the challenges of disorder and fear.
