Body scanners for Devon's prisons?

Crime commissioner wants new technology for jails asap

Airport-style scanners and mobile phone jamming systems are to be installed at Exeter Prison - if Devon's police and crime commissioner gets her way.

Channings Wood Prison at Newton Abbot and Dartmoor Prison could also get the high-tech facilities - which Alison Hernandez claims will give inmates a chance of coming off drugs and staying safe whilst they serve their sentences.

The Justice Secretary's announced seven million pounds for the new security measures - but it's not yet clear if they're coming to Devon. It's part of a £30 million investment in prisons by the government.

Ms Hernandez says she's particularly concerned about drugs at Exeter Prison and that across the system gangs are exploiting weaknesses in security to carry out more illegal acts. New training for prison staff will focus on crime scene preservation to make sure investigators and prosecutors have the evidence they need to pursue offenders wherever possible.

Welcoming the measures Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez says: "I’d like to see these measures introduced in Devon’s prisons as soon as possible. The best thing that we can do for people who are serving a prison sentence is to keep them safe and away from drugs and give Prison Service staff the tools they need to allow them to do this.

“On release ex-offenders are going to stand a much better chance of leading fulfilling and productive lives if they have experienced rehabilitation and support while in the care of the Prison Service, and I’m really pleased to see a serious effort made to crack down on this pernicious activity.”