The Prison Officers' Association (POA) is set to demand that staff in the UK’s most dangerous prisons be equipped with electric stun guns, raising the issue directly with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood at an upcoming meeting. This move follows a high-profile attack at HMP Frankland in County Durham, where officers were assaulted with hot oil and improvised weapons by convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi. Mark Fairhurst, the POA’s national chairman, argues that current tools like batons and synthetic pepper spray are insufficient in life-threatening situations, leaving officers without effective tactical options to neutralize serious threats.

Fairhurst has emphasized the need for specially trained staff to have access to Tasers, which he believes would provide a crucial layer of protection and deterrence in volatile incidents. The POA’s call comes amid heightened concerns for staff safety after four officers were injured in the recent attack. In response, the Prison Service has announced an investigation into whether frontline staff should also be issued with protective body armour, while the Ministry of Justice has temporarily suspended kitchen access in separation units, where the assault occurred.

Internationally, the use of stun guns in prisons is contentious. Investigations in the US have shown that such devices are often used on inmates experiencing mental health crises, sometimes resulting in severe trauma or even death. While supporters claim these tools can prevent violence and self-harm, critics argue they are inhumane and frequently misused, especially against vulnerable prisoners who may not be able to comply with orders due to psychiatric conditions. Legal cases have also highlighted instances where courts found the use of stun guns on passively resisting detainees to be objectively unreasonable, underscoring the need for clear policies and robust training.

Amnesty International and other rights groups have raised alarms about the widespread misuse of electric shock weapons, including stun guns, in detention settings globally. Reports document serious physical and psychological harm, and call for stricter regulation to prevent torture and ill-treatment. The debate in the UK now centres on balancing the urgent need to protect prison staff with concerns about human rights and the potential for abuse if such weapons are introduced into the prison system.