Prisoners to face random drugs tests
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GOVERNMENT proposals to allow compulsory drugs testing in prisons were last night severely criticised by prison officers.
Amendments tabled yesterday to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill would allow prison officers to demand a urine sample from inmates for drugs testing. Refusal to do so would be punished.
Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, said compulsory testing was likely to increase conflict between inmates and staff.
But Derek Lewis, director- general of the Prison Service, said the random testing measures would enable prisons to deal more effectively with drug taking. He said that the extra powers - in use in some US jails - were needed to tackle the 'significant drug problem in some prisons'.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments