More protection needed for prison officers says Chorley MP (From Lancashire Telegraph)

More protection needed for prison officers says Chorley MP

3:42pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle is urging the government to do more to improve safety for prison officers.

Official figures show an increase in the number of assaults on prison officers Mr Hoyle has asked Justice Secretary Jack Straw to look at ways of improving safety for prison officers.

With a review of staffing levels within prisons due he wants to see that no further reduction in prison officer numbers takes place.

He said: "Prison officers do an extremely important job ensuring that order is maintained within prisons.

"In addition their skills stretch beyond just simply keeping the peace with officers actively engaged in offender management courses and rehabilitation programmes.

"I was disturbed to read the figures which show a 58 per cent increase in assaults on prison officers and this increase in violence is worrying both for the safety of officers in prison and the knock-on effect this may have on recruitment in the future."

"I want to see the government take action to support our prison officers and help them do their work. With a current review of staffing levels I am keen to ensure that we see no reduction in the number of prison officers as this will do nothing to improve safety."