Call-outs for specialist prison squad increase 44% in two years

A recent report by the BBC has unveiled a significant rise in the deployment of a specialized team that handles severe incidents in prisons across England and Wales. According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request, the National Tactical Response Group (NTRG) was called into action 823 times in 2024, marking a notable increase from the 570 deployments recorded in 2022. The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) attributed this surge in callouts to issues like concerted indiscipline and violence within the prison system.

The NTRG, a highly trained unit that also operates in young offender institutions and immigration removal centers, is tasked with managing critical situations such as prisoner barricades, hostage situations, and violent disturbances. The rise in deployments of this specialized team has been linked to escalating levels of prison violence and a growing prison population. Concerns about prison safety have been further underscored by Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures showing a new peak in assaults on staff in adult prisons across the two countries.

To address the escalating challenges within the prison system, the government has announced plans to launch a trial involving the use of tasers by specialized officers responding to serious incidents. Additionally, a recent review led by Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke suggested the possibility of releasing some prisoners earlier than usual to alleviate prison overcrowding. Amidst these developments, former prison officers have highlighted the impact of staff shortages and the loss of experienced personnel on maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities.

Steve Gillan, the general secretary of the POA, emphasized the urgent need for better training, improved staffing levels, and enhanced protective equipment for prison officers dealing with overcrowded prisons. As incidents at height and protests within prisons continue to escalate, specially trained NTRG staff play a crucial role in responding to these challenging situations. The government’s efforts to address the crisis in the prison system include plans for the early release of over 1,000 inmates and a substantial investment in building new prison facilities

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