Tasers to be used in prisons for the first time in bid to tackle violence from inmates
The National Tactical Response Group, an elite squad of officers, are now free to use the stun devices in dangerous situations such as hostage-taking and riots.
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Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood hinted Tasers could be rolled out
Credit: PA
She told The Sun: 'Violence in our prisons has been far too high for far too long.
'I inherited a situation with completely unacceptable levels of violence.
'All of my early conversations with staff and staff representatives have been about prison officer safety.'
read more on prisons
There were a record 10,605
Ms Mahmood added: 'I'm not willing to tolerate that.'
Prison officers are also getting new protective body armour.
And ramping up the number of full lockdown searches in high-security jails to stop contraband getting through.
Most read in The Sun
A £40 million package was announced last month to boost security - including £10 million for anti-drone measures like netting and reinforced windows.
Southport fiend Axel Rudakubana hurled scalding water over prison guard in 'terrifying' attack putting victim in hospital
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Tasers can be used in prisons for the first time from today under a trial to stamp out violence
Credit: PA
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