Figures published by the Ministry of Justice show that the number of prison and probation staff dismissed for misconduct has doubled from 181 in 2022 to 397 in 2024.

The dismissals include cases of prison officers smuggling contraband into jails, conducting  sexual relationships with prisoners and illegally accessing confidential information. Many of the cases did not just lead to dismissal but also to prosecution.

The Ministry of Justice maintains that the figures do not so much indicate an increase in illegal and illicit incidents as its success in identifying offences with a strengthened anti-corruption unit, and its determination to see that those responsible are punished appropriately.

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