In response to escalating violence within England’s prison system, the government is set to launch a pioneering pilot project that could see Tasers deployed for the first time in prisons across the country. With prison officers facing over 160 attacks per week on average, the move underscores efforts to enhance safety and security within overcrowded jails.
The pilot initiative will trial the use of 50,000-volt stun guns by riot squads, with the potential for deployment to specially-trained prison officers thereafter. Details of the project emerged in a government contract notice, outlining an £80,000 deal for ‘conducted energy devices’—commonly referred to as Tasers.
