General considerations about security

Although every prison has a Security Department, security is of prime concern to every member of staff. All new staff are given a security talk after appointment and formal key training if they are to be issued with keys. The following points cover some of the main security considerations for all staff as they go about their work:

• As personal identification is required at the gate before anyone can be admitted to prison all staff are issued with an identity cards. These must be carried at all times when on duty.
• There are strict rules about the secure handling of the keys to internal doors and gates in prison. These should be collected at the gate and never taken off the prison premises.
• Each prison keeps a list of items that should not be brought into prison, which includes anything that could be used as a weapon, mobile phones, computer memory sticks and drugs.
• The security team may carry out individual searches of staff at any time.
• The Official Secrets Act imposes a duty of confidentiality on all staff and requires them to exercise great care with information they acquire in carrying out their duties.
• The Act also prohibits taking out or bringing into prison any items for a prisoner.
• Staff should be mindful of what they say when prisoners are in earshot to avoid their gleaning confidential or private information that they could use to manipulate staff.
• Staff should always show respect for their colleagues in front of prisoners as mocking, angry or disrespectful words could present prisoners with a potential weak link to exploit.
• Where staff are required to visit prisoners in their cells they must drop the lock to avoid any possibility of being locked in the cell.
• Prison staff are required to avoid socialising with criminals and should report to the governor in writing any contact with an ex-prisoner if this occurs on the outside.
• Staff must not allow prisoners to use an official telephone without prior authority from the governor.
• Desks, cupboards and lockers should be kept locked when not in use and the keys stored in a secure place.