The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) has accused the government of failing to meet its legal duties on equality after data shows the ongoing disparity in the deployment of PAVA irritant spray against Black prisoners.
PAVA, a synthetic form of pepper spray which causes searing pain in the eyes and a burning sensation on the skin, was first introduced in prisons in a pilot in 2018 before it was rolled out more widely across the male prison estate.
Following the findings, the PRT has urgently called for further rollout of the spray to be halted, amid claims it could be used to incapacitate children under plans to curb violence at young offender institutions.
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