Association blames overcrowding and drugs as number of injured prison officers rises
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Cases of prison officers injured as a result of violence in jails jumped by almost 40% in the last two years, figures show.
Prison officers said the rise reflects a tense security environment in jails fuelled by major overcrowding and fights over drugs.
The 2023 annual report of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal shows a dramatic rise in cases involving prison officers:
- 2023: 89 applications;
- 2022: 74 applications;
- 2021: 64 applications
This represents a 20% jump between 2023 and 2022, with a 39% increase since 2021.
Commenting, Gabriel Keaveny, deputy general secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), said: “The POA is of the view that with an ever increasing overcrowding scenario then a consequential increase in violence occurs.
“This is particularly where drones are delivering drugs and weapons on an almost daily basis, then it is inevitable that disputes take place between various prisoners and gangs.
The report shows a similar increase in applications from the general public, typically victims of crime, with numbers rising sharply between 2021 (118) and 2022 (162) and remaining stable last year (163).
The tribunal was established in 1974 under the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted.
The scheme provides for victims of violent crime (or their dependents in fatal cases) to apply for reimbursement of expenses they have incurred, and/or losses that they may have suffered, as a direct result of a violent crime or personal injury received in specified circumstances.
Since 1990, the tribunal also administers a separate Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers (‘Prison Officer Scheme’).
“This is for prison officers who suffer personal injuries due to a violent crime experienced in the course of their duties,” the report said.