Ban visitors from prisons
published: Sunday | April 3, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I fail to understand how a maximum security facility such as the Tower Street Adult Correctional facility could have a breakdown in the mere thing that facilitates its existence: security.

The issue of visitors must be taken into consideration because of what transpired on that day. These inmates should not be allowed visitors as it is a known fact that these inmates gave up their right to freedom and liberty and since the ordeal of screening visitors has proven to be unsuccessful, then extreme measures such as total confinement needs to be looked at.

INEFFECTIVE

This situation has brought to light the ineffectiveness of the criminal justice system in Jamaica where criminals are serving less of their sentences and are being prematurely released into society because of what I think is the urgent need for space to facilitate the next wave of criminals. The government is responsible for public security, but they are not putting in the kind of investments that are needed. The under-investment in national security has resulted in fewer police and correctional officers and heavier workloads and rising crime. With this I say that it is time the government thinks about the greater good of society and act promptly before more blood is shed.

I am, etc.,

SHANIQUE GRAHAM

Portmore P.O.