STORY
The Government has extended the authorisation of PAVA incapacitant spray at three public sector Young Offender Institutions for a further 12 months. Specially selected and trained staff at HMYOI Feltham A, HMYOI Werrington and HMYOI Wetherby will continue to be permitted to carry the spray when responding to serious violence.
Justice Minister Jake Richards said PAVA would remain a measure of last resort and could be used only where it was necessary, proportionate and appropriate to prevent serious harm to staff or children in custody. The original 12 month authorisation was introduced in April 2025 to give staff a distance based option for intervening in the most dangerous incidents.
Every incident in which PAVA is drawn or used will continue to be reviewed, including any disproportionate effects upon children with protected characteristics or other vulnerabilities. The Independent Restraint Review Panel and an independent expert will oversee the arrangements, while NHS England evidence will be incorporated into the Government’s assessment of possible physical, emotional and behavioural effects. Ministers said their longer term aim remained a significant reduction in the use of force across the youth secure estate.