The aim of Dedicated Search Teams is to reduce the risk posed by prisoners held in high security prisons.
Dedicated Search Teams were a recommendation made by Sir John Woodcock following the escape of six prisoners from the Special Secure Unit at Whitemoor prison in September 1994, which the then Home Secretary accepted in full. Recommendation 9 stated:
“The Lakes/Hadfield proposal for dedicated and specially equipped search teams in prisons holding Category A inmates should be mandatory. Such teams should have available to them on a regular basis dogs trained to identify firearms, explosives and drugs.”
All Directorate of High Security establishments are funded for Dedicated Search Teams consisting of 2 x Senior Officers and 12 x Officers.
The aim of Dedicated Search Teams is ultimately to reduce the risk posed by prisoners held in Directorate of High Security Estate establishments. These prisoners, many of whom are Category A, would represent a significant risk to the public should they escape.
All staff joining Dedicated Search Teams attend a one week course at PSC Newbold Revel where they receive intensive search training. The search training was developed to ensure that:
The Prison Service was equipped to manage the threat of firearms and explosives entering establishments
Establishments were able to search items held in possession by prisoners by specialist search teams who would provide a higher level of assurance to prison management that possessions did not conceal illicit items, particularly firearms and explosives
Establishments were able to conduct offensive searches in response to intelligence suggesting escape planning, etc.
Establishments were able to plan and execute full lock down searches in response to intelligence suggesting escape planning, etc.
Dedicated Search Teams are also used to bolster security at Crown courts where Category A prisoners are appearing by conducting pre trial ‘search and seal exercises’.