Scotland Develops Privacy-First Radar to Prevent Prison Deaths

Prison staff in Scotland may soon have a powerful new tool to prevent suicides and save lives without compromising the dignity of people in their care.

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University are developing VisionRF, a radar system that monitors breathing and heart rate from several meters away. Unlike cameras or wearable devices, the technology operates discreetly behind a light fitting, detecting subtle chest movements that reveal when someone is in distress.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Scotland saw 64 deaths in prisons during 2024/25, the highest number in more than a decade and a 60% jump from the previous year. In England and Wales, self-inflicted deaths in custody rose to 86 in the year to June 2025, while over 13,000 individuals self-harmed.

Dr. Dimitris Anagnostou, who leads the project, explains that current prevention methods often make things worse. Frequent overnight checks disrupt sleep and can worsen the very mental health struggles they're meant to address.

VisionRF changes that equation entirely. The radar works silently around the clock, only alerting staff when vital signs become irregular. Early trials show it matches the accuracy of clinical ECG equipment, giving prison teams precious time to respond before a crisis turns deadly.

The technology can also detect medical emergencies related to substance use or natural causes. This matters enormously to families who worry constantly about their loved ones behind bars.

Why This Inspires

What makes this breakthrough truly special is how it was created. The research team isn't working in isolation but alongside people who've experienced the prison system firsthand, along with NHS staff, prison officers, and advocacy groups like Families Outside.

Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive of Families Outside, points out that the technology offers reassurance not just for families but for prison staff too. Officers can be deeply traumatized when someone dies in their care, and better monitoring tools help everyone sleep better at night.

The nine-month project includes co-design workshops where people with lived experience will shape how the device works. They'll provide feedback on everything from where sensors should be placed to how sensitive alerts should be configured.

Dr. Katrina Morrison from Edinburgh Napier University emphasizes that combining innovation with this collaborative approach addresses real health inequalities in the penal system. The goal isn't to replace human care but to strengthen it significantly.

VisionRF has secured funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, which supports innovations tackling health inequalities. The system uses ultra-low power radar and patent-pending signal processing that isolates heartbeats and breathing patterns in real time.

Over the coming months, live demonstrations at Heriot-Watt's Global Research Institute will show how the technology works in environments that replicate actual prison cells. Advisory groups will ensure every detail respects both privacy and effectiveness.

This technology proves that compassion and innovation can work hand in hand, creating safer environments while honoring human dignity.