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Probation officers in England and Wales to be given self-defence training after stabbings
- Probation officers will receive self-defence training, bleed kits and body-worn cameras as part of new safety measures.
- Knife arches and metal-detecting wands will be piloted at selected probation offices to screen for weapons.
- The government approved pilot schemes for Spear training, used by police and prison staff, to boost frontline protection.
- Bleed kits containing tourniquets and trauma bandages are already being sent to probation offices.
- The measures follow two stabbing incidents: in Oxford and Preston, prompting staff safety concerns.
- About 244,209 people were under probation supervision as of June, a 2% rise from the previous year.
- Thousands released under the SDS40 scheme remain under supervision to ease prison overcrowding.
- Ministers say the safety measures show a commitment to protecting probation staff from assaults.
- Union leaders have warned of staff crisis and fear at work amid workload and pay disputes.
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