A union is demanding the removal of “dangerous” vapes from Scotland’s jails saying the threat they pose has reached a “critical” level.
The Prison Officers Association Scotland (POAS) has handed a report to jail chiefs outlining the “urgent need” for a phased and complete removal of disposable and rechargeable vapes from the estate – saying they are fuelling violence, allowing lags to smoke psychoactive substances, and have even been modified to create weapons and spark explosions.
View 4 ImagesVapes are being used to smoke illicit drugs in Scots prisons
Vapes were introduced to prisons in 2018 after the move to smoke‐free prisons, with more than 70 per cent of Scotland’s inmates believed to smoke.
But the body representing warders say the system has become “extremely dangerous” for them, has reached a “critical point” and needs “radical change”.
John Cairney, Scottish National Committee Chair of the POAS, said the move would prove unpopular with inmates – with vapes being a hugely valued commodity behind bars – and would have to be carefully managed to be rolled out safely.
View 4 ImagesJohn Cairney of the POAS(Image: Handout)
He said: “It certainly wouldn’t be universally welcomed by them as some use them as a supportive mechanism so that’s where work with NHS boards would be needed to offer support services for those genuine users as we wouldn’t want to leave prisoners at risk.
“This ban is targeted on the ones who misuse it and use it to disrupt prison regime and who put our membership at risk daily.”
The union has challenged the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to take “decisive and courageous action” by scrapping the devices completely.
Its Clear the Air report, says vapes have become “one of the most problematic items in the prison estate”, saying devices are being modified to smoke illicit substances, including Spice and creating “unpredictable and dangerous behaviour” in prisoners.
The report said: “This contributes to violence, medical emergencies, and increased pressure on staff. Increasing drug misuse in prisons has coincided with the roll-out of vapes.
“Vapes have become a valuable and desirable commodity in prisons, heightening tension, causing bullying and leading to violence.
View 4 ImagesPrisoners are using vapes to take illegal drugs (Image: Getty Images)
“Vape batteries have been used to start fires, power improvised devices, and cause explosions. The extent of the damage created at Glasgow Central Station shows the impact these can have. Metal and plastic components have been sharpened or repurposed as weapons or to cause other harm.”
In 2019, soon after their introduction, it emerged that more than £100,000 had been spent buying vaping kits for inmates in Scottish jails. The POAS say there is no legal requirement to provide vapes to prisoners but there is a requirement to protect staff and prisoners from harm.
A separate study of Scottish prison staff referenced in the report said e-cigarettes had become a new, effective way for some prisoners to take new psychoactive substances and said there were “organisational challenges relating to the value attached to e-cigarettes in prisons”.
It added: “Staff anticipated difficulties in tightening restrictions on e-cigarette use by (prisoners) given its scale and significance among this population.”
The POAS paper said advanced notice of a phased withdrawal would have to be given to prisoners, along with a comprehensive nicotine replacement package, including free patches, lozenges and nasal sprays, which will come at an extra cost to the service.
It said: “Vapes now pose a significant health risk, fuel illicit drug use, undermine safety, and create operational challenges that SPS can no longer ignore.
“We urge SPS to adopt a structured, humane, and evidence‐based plan to remove vapes from the prison estate while ensuring that prisoners receive the support they need to manage nicotine dependence safely.”
The union said the SPS had acknowledged the report and had committed to discuss it through standing working groups, leading to a “cross-directorate discussion”.
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and those in our care is a key priority, and we work hard to prevent illicit substances entering our establishments.
“We are grateful to the POAS for the work they have undertaken in relation to the use of vapes and are committed to working in partnership with all our recognised trade unions to ensure that our prisons remain safe and secure.”
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