Press releases

REF: PR/18/07

DATE: 29th March 2007

To: ALL POLITICAL
ALL INDUSTRIAL CORRESPONDENTS

PRESS RELEASE
NO EMBARGO

Leaders of The POA Condemn the Practice of Undercover Filming in Prisons

The leaders of the POA have been made aware of the Dispatches documentary that is due to be screened on Monday 2nd April 2007 at 20.00hrs on Channel 4.

The documentary entitled “Undercover Prisoner” apparently exposes security failings, use of drugs, alcohol and other serious issues at North Sea Camp Open Prison in Lincolnshire, asking the question as to whether the prison is fit for purpose.

Colin Moses National Chairman of the POA said:

“The POA has been concerned over the failings within the open prison estate for many, many months and has called for a root and branch review, to date our request has not been agreed to. However, we are extremely concerned that a serving prisoner has secretly filmed inside a prison. This is a criminal offence and we must ask why he engaged in such a course of action considering those risks he placed upon himself. Was he induced by the TV Company? If so, this has to be stopped and a full public inquiry should be commissioned by the Government.

The public should be under no illusion – prisons are dangerous places, whether open or closed. We know that drugs, alcohol and violence go hand in hand. Criminal bodies nationally are supplying drugs, prostitutes and other illegal substances to serving prisoners and making a healthy profit. Therefore, if this prisoner had been discovered it would not have been beyond bounds of reasonableness for him to have been severely assaulted or even his life being put at risk by violent inmates”.

Brian Caton General Secretary said:

“The POA will always expose the failings of the Prison Service and Home Office. However, we will not condone dangerous practices to obtain “sensational headlines”. We know the problems that exist in open prisons and continue to make those in power aware of these issues. The Prison Service is a public service and it must have the correct level of resources to deliver. The public expect this and the Government must ensure the Prison Service achieves the stated aims”.

For further information contact:
POA Press Office: 020 8803 0255 Option 7

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