Association blames overcrowding and drugs as number of injured prison officers rises 

Since 1990, there has been a Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers (‘Prison Officer Scheme’) for prison officers who suffer personal injuries due to a violent crime experienced in the course of their duties.

Cases of prison officers injured as a result of violence in jails jumped by almost 40% in the last two years, figures show.

Prison officers said the rise reflects a tense security environment in jails fuelled by major overcrowding and fights over drugs.