Taking my son for a walk yesterday, we passed HMP Dartmoor, where I served as a prison governor. Unknown to us, a dramatic and serious incident was unfolding just behind its austere walls. A prisoner had taken an officer hostage in the establishment’s segregation unit. I understand that the officer was overpowered while letting the perpetrator out into the unit’s exercise yard. I’m told that this prisoner was armed with a bladed weapon and that the officer was overpowered with his own handcuffs.
We won’t know whether all these details are accurate from the Ministry of Justice because they were only forced to reveal the scantest of details after the event was broadcast on social media. I’m told the incident was being followed by prisoners in possession of illicit mobile phones within the prison, adding another grim dimension to this ordeal.
As a former hostage negotiator trainer in the Prison Service, I am well acquainted with the dynamics of such incidents.
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