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CASE STUDY: X-Ray Body Scanners in UK Prisons | Ministry of Justice Deployment
The Ministry of Justice has deployed LINEV Systems X-ray body scanners across UK prisons, helping to detect over 46,000 contraband items and enhance safety for staff and inmates.
X-ray Body Scanners for UK Prison Security
FEATURED SOLUTION: CONPASS SMART TR X-ray body scanner
MARKET: Corrections and Prison Security
APPLICATION: Detection of contraband including drugs, weapons, and mobile devices
In this case study, you’ll learn how LINEV Systems UK partnered with the Ministry of Justice to implement X-ray body scanners across the British prison estate. The initiative aimed to reduce violence, contraband trafficking, and improve overall prison safety.
The project showcases the successful delivery, deployment, and measurable impact of advanced scanning technology in correctional facilities, backed by government investment and supported by field-proven results.
April 2025 – New Tender
Following the tender process, LINEV Systems UK Ltd was awarded another Framework Contract to supply and support Body Scanning systems.
This contract includes the supply of X-ray torso body scanners listed on Find a Tender.
Original Tender Background
After an extensive investigation into the performance of systems from different suppliers, in December 2019 a Framework Contract was awarded to LINEV Systems UK Ltd. This contract involves the supply of systems over a period of 4 years with ongoing support for a minimum of 10 years.
Deployment Results (July 2020 – March 2024)
- Positive Scans Reported: 53,041
- Negative Scans Reported: 446,912
- Inconclusive Scans Reported: 19,079
- Total Scans Reported: 519,032
Official Statements and Government Releases
4 December 2023
New figures reveal more than 46,900 suspect items have been identified by the 75 high-tech X-ray body scanners installed in all closed adult male prisons since July 2020. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the Government’s £100m investment in prison security and new technology to cut violence, drug use, and disruption on prison landings.
This toughened security continues the crackdown on criminal attempts to exploit smuggling routes that fuel violence, addiction, and crime behind bars.
Our clamp down to stop drugs, weapons, and phones from getting into prisons is working. The new tech we’ve brought in is making prisons safer for staff and ensuring prisoners focus on their rehab, so we continue to cut crime.
X-ray scanners across the prison estate have helped thwart thousands of attempts to smuggle illicit items behind bars, often via the bowels of prisoners. Items that have been uncovered include:
- Mobile phones
- Charging leads
- Tobacco
- Drug packages
The Government’s investment of up to £100 million in bolstered prison security measures has seen 95 prisons now equipped with next-generation trace detection equipment and 75 equipped with X-ray body scanners.
15 January 2023
Game-changing X-ray body scanners have foiled more than 28,000 attempts to smuggle drugs, phones, and weapons behind bars. Over the last 2 years, more than 90 new advanced scanners have been installed in all closed male jails, producing high-resolution images of concealed contraband.
This security upgrade has captured and confiscated illegal contraband including:
- Mobile phones
- Vapes
- Improvised weapons
Our tough new security measures in prisons are putting prisoners back on the straight and narrow. Allied to our renewed drive to get prisoners off drugs for good, we are cutting crime and keeping the public safe.
Since July 2020, 28,626 suspicious items were identified by new prison X-ray body scanners as part of a £125 million investment in security technologies.
Deployment in Northern Ireland
In March 2023, the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland installed LINEV Systems Body Scanners into three of their prisons: Maghaberry, Magilligan, and Hydebank.
Some people in our prisons are determined to traffic contraband into our establishments, however we are equally determined to stop them. Our fight against illegal trafficking has taken a huge step forward with the introduction of X-Ray Body Scanners. This technology should be seen as a deterrent to those who wish to use their bodies to bring in drugs and other illegal items into our prisons.
This technology was initially piloted in prisons in England and has recently been introduced in Scotland. Last year over one in ten scans in England and Wales highlighted the presence of contraband. Experience elsewhere indicates that this technology will greatly assist prison officers in controlling the flow of drugs in our prisons. My message to anyone thinking of attempting to traffic contraband is simple – don’t do it, we will find it.
February 2024
Since their introduction in March last year, the X-Ray Body Scanners have had a major impact on stemming the flow of drugs and illegal substances coming into prisons. This helps to keep both staff and prisoners safer.