Prisons: Smart Devices

Table 6.1 of the HMPPS Annual Digest (Chapter 6, Finds in Prison) shows the latest figures for incidents where illicit items were found in prisons in England and Wales. Table 6.3 shows the number of mobile telephones found each month, by establishment. The next edition of the Digest, with statistics for 2025-26, is due for publication on 30 July.

Any finds of iPads or illicitly held gaming devices are included under “Other Digital” in Table 6.1. It is not possible to disaggregate that total without incurring disproportionate cost.

The items prison Governors may make available to their populations under the Incentives Policy Framework (IPF) are itemised in the National Facilities List. Mobile telephones, iPads and other tablet devices (whether or not Wi-Fi access has been disabled) are not included, and prisoners may not have them in possession.

Some games consoles or devices may be permitted, provided they do not give access to internet connectivity in their factory state. These are listed in the IPF at Annex D. 18-rated games are not permitted. Where games consoles are included in a prison’s local incentive scheme, they must not be provided at public expense and are not available to prisoners on the lowest level of the scheme.