News

Alcohol testing is set to be introduced in prisons to deter its supply and use, the Prison Service has announced, writes Craig Kenny.

The Prison Service Alcohol Strategy, published this week, says that prison rules will be amended to allow inmates to be breath tested for alcohol.

The strategy says that all prisoners will be assessed on reception to identify those needing help with alcohol withdrawal, and those identified to be at risk will receive detoxification.

A good practice guide on treatment interventions has also been published. Treatment availability will be expanded “as resources permit,” says the strategy paper.

A recent Home Office study found that 63 per cent of men and 39 per cent of women in prison were classed as “hazardous drinkers” a year before starting their sentence.

http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/news/index.asp?id=2173,22,6,22,0,0