Any offensive weapons found within prisons and young offender institutions will be seized and reported to the prison security department where the incident is dealt with according to the circumstances involved. The discovery of firearms or explosives must be reported to the police immediately. The discovery of offensive weapons such as knives, kitchen or workshop implements or improvised weapons should be reported to the police if there is evidence to suggest that the weapon is intended for use in a criminal offence such as a serious assault.
Possession of an offensive weapon is a disciplinary offence and prisoners will face an internal adjudication if the matter is not dealt with through the courts. The conveying of an offensive weapon into or out of a prison or passing of such an article to a prisoner is a criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly.
Policy and guidance on the handling of weapons found within prisons is contained within the National Offender Management National Security Framework, which sets outs procedures for the preservation and continuity of evidence in cases where weapons are found.