Prison Improvement: Digital Technology
2026-09-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to modernise prison processes through digital technology.
What steps his Department is taking to use digital technology to improve prisons' processes.
The Prison Service is building new digital prison services to support the transformation of core prison operations and offender management; developing tactical AI-enabled tools for frontline staff to improve accuracy and efficiency; and exploring the use of biometric technology to improve public safety.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights Edinburgh's role as a world centre for digital technology innovation and cites an example company producing tech for monitoring signs of self-harm in prisons.
What role does the Minister expect technology to play in improving long-term performance of prisons, and will officials engage with Edinburgh researchers? Although justice policy is devolved, tech and innovation learnings can be applied to all parts of the UK.
The Minister invests £82 million in technological development following the Dame Lynne Owens review, due to chronic under-investment by the previous Government, to support a more efficient Prison Service.
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Assessment & feedback
Engagement with Edinburgh researchers
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner welcomes the Minister to her role and asks about access to technology in Northern Ireland, noting that the justice system is devolved there.
Can the Minister assure me that the Justice Minister in Northern Ireland will have access to that technology?
The Minister appreciates the spirit in which the question is asked and assures the questioner.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurance about technology access
Appreciating The Spirit In Which The Question Is Asked
Response accuracy