Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average weight is of equipment carried by prison officers on duty.

The Prison Service is reviewing how carrying aids can best be utilised to ensure mandated equipment is carried as safely as possible. As part of this, we have sought the advice of a musculoskeletal expert and are consulting closely with unions and staff.

Utility vests are mandatory for some specialist teams, while prison officers are issued utility belts. The average weight of equipment has not been assessed, however, the introduction of new mandated equipment worn by officers has led to an increase in weight. The weight of the mandated equipment and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) approved utility belt is between 2.5kg and 3kg. The variation in weight is due to the varying number of keys carried by the staff.