Prisons: Drugs
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of positive mandatory drug tests in prisons.
Answered by Sir Nicholas Dakin
We know that drugs drive reoffending and are committed to supporting offenders into recovery so they can turn their lives around.
It is crucial we have a multi-pronged approach to tackling drugs - to curb the supply of drugs into prisons, several security measures have been implemented, including tackling the use of illicit mobile phones in prison, since we know they drive drug supply.
To support prisoners into recovery and steer them away drugs, there are 81 prisons with Incentivised Substance Free Living Units which provide a dedicated, supportive environment for any prisoner who wants to live drug-free in prison.
As set out in our manifesto, we have committed to increasing access to purposeful activity in prisons, recognising its critical role in reducing demand for drugs and supporting recovery.
To bring together this rehabilitative and security focused approach to tackling drug use, 54 Drug Strategy Leads in key prisons are working to ensure that local drug strategies are effectively implemented.
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