Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

PAVA Spray Approved for Use in UK Young Offender Institutions to Address Rising Violence

The Ministry of Justice has authorized a 12-month trial of pepper spray deployment in three YOIs, sparking safety concerns and legal challenges.

Image
Image
Image
The spray will be trialled in three YOIs for a year, beginning this summer

Overview

  • Specially trained officers in Feltham A, Werrington, and Wetherby YOIs will begin using PAVA spray this summer to de-escalate serious or imminent violence.
  • The trial follows a 25% rise in assaults on staff in 2024, with rates 14 times higher than in adult prisons, according to official figures.
  • The rollout is subject to strict oversight, including independent panel reviews of each use and a ministerial evaluation after 12 months.
  • Prison reform advocates, including the Howard League for Penal Reform, have criticized the measure as excessive force against minors and are considering legal action.
  • Supporters, including the Prison Officers’ Association, argue the spray is essential for staff safety in a system struggling with violent incidents and weaponized everyday items.