Use of Force review: An Exploratory Analysis of Use of Force in prisons 2018 to 23
Findings from a largely exploratory analysis of use of force across adult estate prisons in England and Wales from April 2018 to March 2023.
Applies to England and Wales
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This report brings together several strands of qualitative and quantitative research concerning Use of Force from April 2018 to March 2023. The research was commissioned due to recognition that the monitoring and evaluation of Use of Force data at a national level was limited and needed to be improved given the impending roll-out of Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide Spray (PAVA) in the adult male estate in 2019.
Although, exploratory and mainly descriptive in nature, this research is the first step in understanding the Use of Force in prisons across England and Wales. It is important both for capturing the positive aspects of HMPPS’ Use of Force culture, as well as those needing improvement. It also promotes evidence-based practice for managing and monitoring Use of Force in custodial settings.