UK Prisons over Capacity

The latest reports show prisons in England and Wales have surpassed their normal capacity for the first time.

At present, there are 82,068 inmates in jail which is 96 over the Prison Service's normal capacity. Since November 2007 to date, 521 people have been sentenced and sent to prison and around 358 inmates are serving their time in police or court cells in an attempt to ease the pressure.

"The government's policy towards prisons is like boiling a kettle — there is a red line and when you fill it with water, you don't cross that line" — Colin Moses, Prison Officers' Association

For the first time the Prison Service has more inmates in jail than the number governors want to hold. This added pressure has caused concerns over safety & security within the prisons.

HOW MANY INSIDE? Friday population: 82,068 In prison: 81,710 In police cells: 358

Official limits Operational Capacity: 81,972 Uncrowded conditions: 74,141 Source: Prison Service

Tensor has a unique, low cost Prison Pass PC computer based system that allows prison officers to quickly check the identity of the visitor and monitor their movements. This is a first class system, which is used by many prisons around the country. The system is highly secure and stores a digital image to ensure instant confirmation of the visitors' identity. Tensors Prison Pass system will also provide the prison officer with a warning when a banned or cautioned visitor is recognised. A Biometric Fingerprint Reader can also be installed for 'extra' security to provide indisputable proof that the guest is who they say they are.

For more information on the Prison Pass Visitor Monitoring System, Access Control & Biometrics or to book a demo, please contact our Sales Team on (01480) 215530 or sales@tensor.co.uk