The Prison Officers Association (POA) is set to meet with the Justice Secretary on Wednesday, calling for frontline staff to be issued with Tasers following a violent attack by convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi on three officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham.
The POA, which represents prison staff across the UK, described the incident as a “wake-up call” and is now urging the government to take immediate steps to improve safety measures inside high-security prisons.
Abedi, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the Manchester Arena bombing, launched the unprovoked assault earlier this month. The attack reportedly left three prison officers injured—one of them seriously—prompting widespread concern over the safety of staff working in maximum-security conditions.
Tasers as a Line of Defence
POA General Secretary Steve Gillan confirmed the union will use the meeting to press the case for equipping officers with Taser stun guns to better defend themselves against violent inmates.
“Our members are not armed police officers, but they deal with some of the most dangerous individuals in the country,” Gillan said. “Tasers would offer a vital line of defence in life-threatening situations.”
Currently, prison officers are not issued with Tasers and must rely on hand-held alarms, radios, and restraint techniques when responding to violent incidents. The POA argues that this leaves staff vulnerable, especially in high-risk environments where inmates include convicted terrorists and organised crime figures.
Government Response
The Ministry of Justice has not yet commented on whether Tasers will be approved for use in prisons, but a spokesperson confirmed that the Justice Secretary is “looking forward to a constructive discussion” with POA leaders.
Security measures in UK prisons have faced growing scrutiny in recent years, with calls for greater investment in both staffing levels and safety equipment.
The meeting comes amid wider concerns over prison overcrowding, escalating violence, and staffing shortages within the UK’s prison system.
Ongoing Investigation
An internal investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding Abedi’s attack. Sources suggest the incident may have involved a makeshift weapon, raising further questions about how such items can be accessed or concealed inside high-security facilities.
The POA is expected to release a formal statement following Wednesday’s meeting.
Anyone with concerns or experiences related to prison officer safety is encouraged to contact the POA or submit evidence to the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing review into prison violence.
