Expanding the in-cell phone network

David Gauke MP, Secretary of State for Justice, announced that in-cell phones, currently installed in 20 prisons in England and Wales, will be rolled-out to 50 prisons by March 2020.

This represents some progress on a government commitment made in 2018 to extend the provision of in-cell phones across the prison estate.

The government has said in-cell phones are intended principally to help people in prison maintain contact with their families. It cited the 2017 Lord Farmer review, which found close ties between prisoners and key family members can significantly reduce the risk of reoffending.

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