Prison officers call for stun guns

Prison officers are calling for the immediate provision of electric stun guns to enhance safety in Britain’s most dangerous jails. This demand follows a violent attack on three guards at HMP Frankland by convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi, who is serving a 55-year sentence. Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the Prison Officers Association (POA), said: “We now need the tactical use of Taser as an option when faced with life-threatening situations.” The POA is advocating for tasers to be issued to specialist teams in high-security prisons to protect staff from serious threats. It is also calling for stab-proof vests for prison staff. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the prison service will hold a “snap review” into whether protective body armour should be made available to frontline staff.