The Prison Officers Association (POA) is set to meet with the Justice Secretary on Wednesday, calling for frontline staff to be issued with Tasers following a violent attack by convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi on three officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham.
Security measures in UK prisons have faced growing scrutiny in recent years, with calls for greater investment in both staffing levels and safety equipment.
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The meeting comes amid wider concerns over prison overcrowding, escalating violence, and staffing shortages within the UK’s prison system.
Ongoing Investigation
An internal investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding Abedi’s attack. Sources suggest the incident may have involved a makeshift weapon, raising further questions about how such items can be accessed or concealed inside high-security facilities.
The POA is expected to release a formal statement following Wednesday’s meeting.
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Anyone with concerns or experiences related to prison officer safety is encouraged to contact the POA or submit evidence to the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing review into prison violence.
