11 March 2008
The Ministry of Justice today announced that David Blakey CBE QPM has been commissioned to conduct a review of the effectiveness of measures to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs into prison.
This review, commissioned by the Director General of the Prison Service, Phil Wheatley, will play a pivotal role in the drive against drugs announced by the Justice Secretary as part of the Prison Policy Update in January.
David Blakey, a former member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, will examine the current measures used by the Prison Service to prevent drug supply into prisons, such as the use of drug detection dogs, close working with local police and searching procedures. The review will make recommendations on how these measures can be improved, and identify any additional measures that could be employed. The report aims to ensure robust security measures while maintaining a humane environment for prisoners.
Justice Minister, David Hanson, said:
'With around 40,000 problematic drug users in prison at any one time, and an average of 55% of new prisoners testing positive for Class A drugs, (rising to 80% in some instances) there is a high demand for drugs in prisons and therefore considerable pressure to smuggle drugs in.
'The government takes the misuse of drugs in prison very seriously and prisons already have in place a comprehensive framework of supply reduction measures that can be adapted flexibly to meet local need. Drug use in prisons, as measured by random mandatory drug tests shows that the positive rate has fallen by 64% over the last 10 years from 24.4% in 1996/97 to 8.8% in 2006/07.'
David Blakey CBE QPM, said:
'I am pleased to accept the invitation to conduct this review, and recognise the great importance of work in this field.
'From my experience of working with the police, I am well aware of the damaging effects of illegal drugs and the need to prevent and disrupt their supply, particularly within the prison environment where the ability of offenders to successfully beat their addiction is undermined when drugs are easily available.
'The next few weeks, as I visit a number of prisons and engage with stakeholders, will be challenging, but I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the positive work already being done in this area.'
The Prison Policy Update announced a new package of measures aimed at tackling reoffending by getting prisoners off drugs and into work.
The measures announced in January included:
- A drive against drugs which will cover both drug treatment programmes in prisons and the review of supply of drugs in prisons announced today.
- As well as stamping out the supply of drugs, the government is helping offenders kick the habit in prison. By April, 29 prisons will have introduced the Integrated Drug Treatment System, and with the Department of Health this scheme will be extended to a further 20 prisons over the next 12 months.
- Justice Minister David Hanson undertaking work to draw up a contract so in return for offenders in return for opportunities to learn new skills. The launch of a new drive to involve more employers, from the corporate, public and voluntary sectors, in training offenders and offering them employment.
Notes to editors
1. David Blakey CBE QPM joined Durham Constabulary in 1963. After service in the North East and the Midlands he became Chief Constable of West Mercia constabulary in 1991. In 1999 he joined Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary where he served for over five years. Since retirement he has conducted a number of reviews and has worked on the reconstruction of the Bosnian Police Force. He is a holder of the CBE and the QPM and is a Deputy Lieutenant for Worcestershire.
2. David Blakey CBE QPM will report on his recommendations by 31 May 2008.