The future of prison security

Philip Ingram MBE takes a closer look at the innovations shaping prison security.

Prisons play a critical role in society by ensuring public safety and facilitating rehabilitation.

However, maintaining security within these institutions is no easy task.

As the world rapidly changes, so does the landscape of prison security.

The alleged escape from London Wandsworth prison in September by 21 year old Daniel Abed Khalife who was awaiting a court appearance on spying charges, highlighted the challenges faced by prison security staff.

When it comes to prisons, security is paramount. The primary objective is to protect staff and inmates as well as the wider community.

Effective security measures are essential to prevent escapes, violence and the introduction of contraband.

Without proper protocols in place, prisons can become breeding grounds for criminal activity, leading to dangerous consequences both inside and outside the prison walls.

In 2021, the then Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor for the UK, Dominic Raab, said: “We’re building the prisons to incarcerate dangerous and prolific offenders.

“We’re deploying the tech to stop the flow of drugs, weapons and phones into prisons.

“And, we’re re-orienting the regime to get offenders off drugs for good and into work – to cut crime and keep the public safe.”

Prison security staff face numerous challenges in their efforts to maintain order and safety within what are more properly, correctional facilities.

One major challenge is the rise of radicalisation among inmates. Prisons have become fertile ground for extremist ideologies to spread, posing a significant threat to society.

Additionally, the prevalence of contraband remains a persistent problem. It is imperative to find innovative solutions to combat these challenges effectively.

Fortunately, advancements in technology are revolutionising the field of prison security.

These innovations provide new tools and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of security measures while reducing risks.

Biometric identification systems have emerged as a game-changer in the field of prison security.

These systems use unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints, to verify the identity of individuals.

By implementing biometric identification systems, prisons can enhance access control, reduce the risk of mistaken identity and improve overall security within the facility.

Drones have become a growing concern in prison security, as they can be used to smuggle contraband or aid in escape attempts.

To combat this threat, innovative drone detection and prevention systems have been developed.

These systems utilise advanced sensors and software algorithms to detect and track unauthorised drones near prison facilities.

Once detected, countermeasures such as signal jamming or physical interception can be employed to neutralise the threat.

Training also plays a crucial role in preparing prison staff to handle various security challenges effectively.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for immersive and realistic training scenarios.

By using VR simulations, prison staff can practice responding to critical incidents, such as riots or hostage situations, in a safe and controlled environment.

This training allows staff to develop the necessary skills and decision-making abilities to handle real life situations with confidence and competence.

In addition, as AI continues to transform numerous industries, prisons are no exception. AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns and detect anomalies in real time.

This capability is valuable in monitoring inmate behaviour, identifying potential security threats and preventing violent incidents.

AI-powered surveillance systems can also enhance the effectiveness of CCTV cameras by automatically detecting suspicious activities and alerting security personnel.

Several prisons around the world have already implemented innovative technologies to enhance their security measures. One notable example is the HMP Berwyn in the UK.

This state-of-the-art facility utilises biometric identification systems, drone detection systems and AI-powered cameras to ensure a high level of security.

The successful implementation of these technologies has resulted in reduced violence and improved inmate management.

As technology continues to advance, the future of prison security holds exciting possibilities.

One potential advancement is the use of blockchain technology to enhance the security and integrity of prison records and data.

Blockchain, with its decentralised and tamperproof nature, can help prevent fraud or unauthorised modifications.

Additionally, the integration of advanced robotics and automation can streamline routine tasks, allowing security personnel to focus on more critical aspects of their work.

However, as we embrace these technological advancements, it is crucial to consider ethical and privacy implications.

Balancing security needs with individual rights and privacy is a delicate task.

Striking the right balance requires careful considerations, transparent policies and robust safeguards to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and ethically.

Rehabilitation strategies

In an ever-evolving world, prison security must adapt and embrace innovation to effectively address the challenges it faces.

However, technology alone is not the complete solution to prison security. It is about enabling the implementation of better offender rehabilitation strategies.

The latest UK strategies include:

• A zero tolerance approach to drugs with all new build prisons having cutting-edge body scanners and airport style security as standard
• Getting offenders clean and treating addictions that thwart rehabilitation
• Education to ensure prisoners gain basic standards of numeracy and literacy and a Prisoner Education Service to train up offenders with vocational skills including construction and coding
• New drive to get offenders into work, introducing a new job matching service that pairs offenders up with vacancies in the community on release and dedicated employment advisors in prisons to help offenders find work
• Resettlement Passports to put proper plans in place for prisoners on release, providing all prisoners with a personalised passport that brings together all the things offenders need to start looking for work straight away, including a CV, identification and a bank account as well as vital support services in the community
• New fast-tracked punishments; penalties will be linked directly to their offence and support rehabilitation, for instance, forcing prisoners to repair their cells or prison landings if they cause damage

Prisons remain a complex security challenge – and the only way that challenge can be met is through the right facilities, resources, training, culture and, of course, rehabilitation strategy.