New poll reveals public demand for prisoner early releases to be linked to drug testing

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood is facing pressure from the public to link early releases from prison to drug testing, a new poll suggests. Polling of 2,001 adults conducted by Opinion Matters reveals that 90 per cent think drug testing is important to the rehabilitation of prisoners, while 77.8 per cent support 24/7 drug monitoring in prisons. Parts of HMP Hindley were searched and amounts of suspected Class A and Class B drugs were recovered The last government’s prisons drug strategy document outlined the problem: “Between 2012/13 and 2017/18, the rate of positive random tests for ‘traditional’ drugs in prisons increased by 50 per cent, from 7 per cent to 10.6 per cent, and drug use in prisons is now widespread, particularly in male local and category C prisons.” It added: “The emergence of psychoactive substances such as synthetic cannabinoids has exacerbated the problem, and these are often used in conjunction with other drugs, while we remain aware of problems with the diversion and misuse of prescription medication.” But despite work on the issue, a report by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons earlier this year described the problem of drugs in prisons as “a tsunami”. Commenting, Drug Patch’s lead toxicologist, Dr Claire George, said: “We are really excited about the potential of this product – it provides a dignified non-invasive way of continuous monitoring which promotes accountability, helping the individual achieve their recovery goals.” A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The new government inherited prisons in crisis, with drug-taking rife in overcrowded prisons.