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To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://pecs-contract-guide.service.justice.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

Information technology

How to book moves (Back to top)

The link to the BaSM User Guide provides BaSM users with step-by-step instructions, including screen captures, to create:

  • Single moves to court
  • Single IPTs
  • Fulfilling IPT allocation drafts

Risk and information transfer (Back to top)

A Digital Prisoner Escort Record (dPER) must be completed for all prisoners going on an external escort movement to any destination, in line with PSO 1025. If you have any queries on the policy, please contact SOCT.Procedure@justice.gov.uk.

The dPER is crucial in terms of the transference of risk information and is broken down into 4 sections; risk information, offence information, health information and property.

All sections must be completed and PECS suppliers will not accept custody of a prisoner with an incomplete dPER.

The supplier will escalate any incomplete dPER to the vehicle base or logistics centre before refusing to accept the custody. Resolution and further completion should not unduly delay any transport.

Verbal communication with sending and receiving parties is also an important aspect of highlighting particular risks or concerns. Please find further guidance around PER completions in the section within this guide.

Electronic devices (Back to top)

Escort suppliers have been given central authorisation to bring HMPPS mobile device management compliant ICT devices into prison receptions outside of the High Security Estate.

These devices are designed to improve efficiency and are used to log prisoners in and out of reception and to allow escort staff to record related prisoner-information such as potential security risks, self-harm issues and medical needs.

These devices have been authorised, provided that the following conditions are met:

  • The voice element and camera are disabled
  • They are logged in and out by the prison at Reception
  • Escort staff must log the devices in and out at the start and end of their shift and any devices found to be missing must be investigated and traced by the escort supplier
  • Normal mobile phones must be secured in line with the establishment’s local security processes and not brought into any area where it could be exposed to prisoners

Escort suppliers have been advised that these devices remain unauthorised in high security prisons and they will adopt locally agreed bespoke procedures in these establishments.

In the event of a supplier’s mobile ICT device being lost or stolen, the supplier will ensure that the data function of the device is disabled remotely so that it can not be used. In addition, the devices are also designed to lock automatically after a period of inactivity.

The following authorisation relates only to the lawfulness of the conduct for the purpose of the offences in the Prison Act 1952.

Individual prisons or groups of prisons may impose additional administrative restrictions on items allowed into the prison on grounds of security.

All items must be checked in and out of the prison. Loss of such items within the prison is a serious matter and all losses must be reported to the prison immediately.

This central authorisation is currently being held on file and will be incorporated into the NSF Central Authorisations List in the future.