Women’s jail to provide special outfits for Muslims when they are checked by sniffer dogs
The overalls will be given to inmates who believe the animals are unclean
A WOMEN’S jail is providing special outfits for Muslims when sniffer dogs check them.
The overalls are given to inmates who believe the animals are unclean.
Visitors also get to wear the special gear as dogs sniff for drugs at HMP Prison Send in Surrey.
A memo to warders says the kit then has to be washed separately. But some staff say the “special treatment” causes operational difficulties.
The clothing is also being made available to Muslim visitors to the jail.
But some staff and prisoners are incensed by what they claim is special treatment.
A source said: “There is some annoyance that we are bending over backwards to help one religion.
“Some prisoners ask why they cannot have clean clothing, even though they have no issue with dogs.
“There is a sense of the rules being manipulated, rightly or wrongly.”
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A prison service spokesperson said: “Overalls are available for prisoners, visitors and staff during dog searches where their faith doesn’t allow direct contact with dogs - this has no impact on the dogs’ ability to detect weapons or drugs.”