Seven top tech companies have pitched their security tech to Prisons and Probation’s Minister, James Timpson.

After being whittled down from over 90 submissions, the finalists included companies developing AI home monitoring which will toughen up punishment outside of prison. With this tech, cameras would be installed inside offenders’ homes, with artificial intelligence used to analyse offenders’ behaviours ensuring they comply with licence conditions.

The minister also saw ‘smell detector’ devices which use synthetic brain cells and AI to replicate the behaviour of a human nose. This tech could be used to deliver enhanced surveillance and detect the use of drugs, such as Spice or Fentanyl in the prison and probation service.

Another pitch focussed on software to standardise how staff input information on offenders, alongside transcription tools to cut the administrative burden and cost to taxpayers, while allowing staff to focus more of their time on cutting crime.

The businesses will now have their proposals considered for pilot rollouts, helping staff on the front line to tackle violence in prison and monitor offenders.

The event follows the Independent Sentencing Review, which recommended the greater use of technology and community sentencing in a bid to tackle the problems in the prison system.

Timpson, said: "We inherited a justice system in crisis and in need of reform. Prisons and probation are working in analogue while tech drives forward a new digital age.

"That’s why we have invited companies to present bold new ideas to help us deliver tough punishment and enhanced surveillance. Embracing new technologies will help us to protect victims, reduce reoffending and cut crime as part of our Plan for Change."

In the spending review, the Government announced that the Probation Service will receive up to £700 million, an almost 45% increase in funding.