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Press releasesREF: PR/011/08 DATE: 2nd May 2008 To: MPs PRESS RELEASE PRISON OFFICER STABBEDLeaders of the POA expressed serious concerns following the incident at HMP Risley on 1st May 2008 when a prison officer was stabbed in the course of his duty. On the morning of May 1st a fight broke out between 2 prisoners which staff de-escalated. However, in the afternoon a further disturbance occurred between prisoners which was believed may have been racially motivated. Colin Moses, National Chairman of POA said: “Incidents like this re-emphasise the need for prison staff to be empowered. It is clear that officers and other uniformed staff no longer feel they have full control of prisons and prisoners, and something needs to be done to put right this wrong. The professional men and women of the service undertake an extremely dangerous job which is not fully recognised by those in authority”. Tom Robson, National Executive Committee said: “Thankfully, the officer is now recovering having been hospitalised. However, when prison officers are faced with dangerous and violent situations which result in them having to draw extendable batons in an attempt to maintain good order and discipline, questions must be asked. I must praise the professional men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure good order was restored. With the current pressure on prison population, the loss of prison accommodation could be catastrophic”. For further information contact: |
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