Latest editorial
A general view inside HMP Brixton
MORE than 10,000 prison officers were attacked in overcrowded jails in England and Wales in the last year — an increase of almost one-third — new figures revealed today.
Of the 10,281 assaulted, the highest number for 20 years, nearly 1,000 prison officers suffered serious injuries needing medical treatment or hospitalisation.
The “serious” injuries include fractures, burns, extensive bruising, black eyes, broken noses and teeth, cuts, bites, temporary or permanent blindness and sexual assault.
Our members face serious violence, crumbling workplaces and exposure to dangerous drugs — it is outrageous we still cannot legally use our industrial muscle to fight back and defend ourselves, writes STEVE GILLAN
MARK FAIRHURST highlights the main issues facing officers in a long neglected service, and raised by front-line delegates at POA conference last week, including understaffing, violence, bullying and the ongoing denial of workers’ right to strike
