Two prisons in Norfolk and Suffolk upgrade security technology

New X-Ray scanners have been installed at HMP Wayland and HMP Highpoint.

X-Ray from the scanner at HMP Highpoint
Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 27th Mar 2021

Advanced X-Ray technology has been installed at HMP Wayland and HMP Highpoint to try and prevent illegal items getting in to prisons.

The equipment is being rolled out across England and Wales as part of a £100m Government scheme to try and boost security in prisons and crack down on crime behind bars.

The technology, which has been specifically designed for the prison service, allows staff to instantly see whether prisoners are attempting to smuggle in illegal contraband.

The illegal items, such as drugs, weapons, and mobile phones, are then used behind bars to fuel an illicit economy and potentially cause violence.

Prisons Minister, Alex Chalk, said: "The new technology is having a hugely positive impact, stemming the flow of contraband into jails and allowing staff to focus on rehabilitation.

"The scanners form part of our wider aim to transform prisons, stepping up security to cut crime and ultimately better protecting the public."

Governor of HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, Nigel Smith, said: "The X-ray body scanner has already had a positive impact in a short space of time and I'm confident the equipment will continue to enhance our security."

Norfolk's HMP Wayland Governor, Sonia Walsh, said: "We have had a great number of successful finds, with new prisoners very much aware that we have this new technology.

"Without the scanner, these items would have entered the establishment undetected."

The technology has been installed at 51 prisons now across England and Wales with those considered most at risk of smuggling prioritised for the upgrade.

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