Police investigate alleged attack on prison officer by Southport killer

According to the BBC

"Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana on Thursday, it is understood.

The officer had boiling water thrown over them. They were taken to hospital and discharged on the same day, the Ministry of Justice said.

The Prison Service said violence in prison "will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff".

The attack, first reported by the Sun, external, has renewed concerns about the safety of prison officers, after an attack last month by Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi at another prison.

Abedi attacked three prison officers at HMP Frankland by throwing hot cooking oil and using "home made weapons" to stab them, according to the Prison Officers' Association (POA).

The number of assaults on staff in adult prisons in England and Wales per year has reached its highest level in a decade, according to data from the Ministry of Justice.

In response to the rise in attacks, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously announced that the use of tasers will be trialled in prisons and confirmed the Prison Service will conduct a "snap review" of the use of protective body armour for prison officers.

Asked if prison officers are safe an interview with the BBC earlier this week, prisons minister James Timpson said: "I think it is fine to work in our prisons."

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said on Friday prison violence had become a "full blown crisis" and called for the justice secretary to act "now" in a post on X.

Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors' Association, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that prison officers work "an incredibly difficult job" in "overcrowded conditions".

It is not clear how Rudakubana allegedly got hold of the hot water. Asked if dangerous prisoners should be allowed access to a kettle in their cell, Mr Wheatley said it was "lower risk" to allow prisoners to boil water in their rooms because the alternative was to have officers bring hot water to prisoners' cells.

"Prisoners have used all sorts of things to cause injury to other people," he added.

He continued: "Pretty much anything can be utilised to cause harm to somebody else. What we're really concerned about is the intent of people to do so."

Rudakubana killed Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Alice Aguiar, nine, and six-year-old Bebe King at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July 2024 in Southport.

He also attacked eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes, who had tried to disarm him.

The 18-year-old was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January for three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and other offences including producing ricin, possessing terrorist material, and possessing a knife.

A public inquiry into the Southport murders began in April.

In February, the Attorney General rejected calls for the Court of Appeal to review the length of Rudakubana's jail sentence.

Rudakubana's minimum term of 52 years means he cannot be considered for release until he has served that amount of time in prison."

My View

No doubt that the P.O.A Is going to say that "our staff need stab proof vest and firearms" How the hell is a stab proof vest going to prevent someone getting boiled water thrown over them, i do not condone this violence, but at the end of the day, the P.O.A needs to look at their officers, as most of them, who are attacked are bullies, and speak to prisoners like shit. Prisoners do not always attack officers for no reason, i have been in prision for 35 years, and i have witnessed this, so i think the officers need more training in communication and to learn not to treat prisoners like animals

Introduction

In recent discussions surrounding prison safety, the Prison Officers' Association (P.O.A) has emphasized the necessity for officers to be equipped with stab-proof vests and firearms. However, this raises critical questions about the effectiveness of such measures in preventing violence within correctional facilities. A deeper examination reveals that the root causes of conflicts between officers and inmates may lie in communication and interpersonal skills.

The Limitations of Protective Gear

While stab-proof vests and firearms are designed to protect officers from physical harm, they do not address the underlying issues that lead to violent confrontations. For instance, a stab-proof vest cannot prevent an officer from being attacked with boiling water or other non-penetrative weapons. This highlights a significant gap in the current approach to prison safety, suggesting that merely increasing physical protection may not be the most effective solution.

The Role of Communication

Many experts argue that the relationship between prison officers and inmates is crucial in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities. The assertion that "most of them who are attacked are bullies" points to a broader issue of how officers interact with inmates. Effective communication can play a pivotal role in de-escalating potential conflicts.

Key Areas for Improvement

1. Building Trust: Officers should develop skills to establish trust and rapport with inmates, which can lead to a more cooperative environment.
2. Conflict Resolution: Training in conflict resolution techniques can help officers manage tense situations without resorting to force.
3. De-escalation Techniques: Learning how to de-escalate conflicts can prevent situations from escalating into violence.

The Need for Comprehensive Training

The call for improved training in communication skills is echoed by many who have spent years observing the dynamics within prisons. With 35 years of experience, one individual noted that many attacks on officers are not unprovoked but rather a response to how inmates are treated. This perspective suggests that enhancing communication training for officers could lead to a significant reduction in violence.

Suggested Training Programs

• Advanced Interpersonal Communication Skills: Programs focusing on effective communication strategies in high-stress situations can equip officers with the tools they need to handle conflicts more effectively.
• Crisis Negotiation: Training in crisis negotiation can prepare officers to manage volatile situations without escalating tensions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the P.O.A's emphasis on protective gear is understandable, it is essential to recognize that the root causes of violence in prisons often stem from poor communication and interpersonal relationships. By investing in comprehensive training programs that focus on communication skills, the P.O.A can foster a safer environment for both officers and inmates. This approach not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also promotes a more respectful and humane treatment of individuals within the prison system.