Celia Morgan, Staff Reporter
AFTER BEING suspended for the last three years, the Department of Correctional Services has re-implemented its programme for the conditional release of prisoners at some of the island's penal institutions.
The programme was suspended in 2002 after an inmate escaped from the South Camp Rehabilitation Centre.
At the time of his escape, Lloyd "Father" Reece had been allowed to leave the centre to participate in a voice training session at a music studio in the Corporate Area.
'FATHER' REECE RECAPTURED
Yesterday, the Department of Correctional Services reported that "Father" Reece was recaptured on Saturday in St. Elizabeth. Reece had been serving a life sentence for murder at the time of his escape. He will also slapped with another charge for escaping custody.
Head of the Correctional Services Major Richard Reece told The Gleaner yesterday that the programme was re-implemented two weeks ago following revision and approval of the Conditional Release Manual by the National Security Ministry.
According to Major Reece, high risk prisoners will no longer qualify for the programme which has now been re-implemented at the Richmond Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St. Mary and the Tamarind Farm and Fort Augusta Adult Correctional centres in St. Catherine.
Previously, the programme had been in place at all the island's correctional facilities.
Major Reece said the revised programme has been amended to include tighter security measures. "Inmates will be escorted by correctional officers for work and educational programmes ?..it will involve persons considered low risk as opposed to individuals who have committed violent offences," Major Reece emphasised.
