Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
COMMISSIONER OF Corrections Major Richard Reese has disclosed that new security measures will be implemented in correctional facilities in 2006.
Among the new measures will be additional cameras, a 24-hour response team and a new radio communication system.
The response team is currently functional but will be further expanded in 2006, Major Reese told The Gleaner.
PERSONNEL TRAINED
He added that personnel have already been trained and will be conducting on-scene investigations, stop searches, patrols of correctional institutions and responding to emergencies. The new radio communication system, he said, will allow for better communication between members of staff in each facility.
Additionally, there will be a reduction of the inmate population at the Tower Street and St. Catherine adult correctional facilities. Some 150 inmates will be relocated to Tamarind Farm, Richmond and the New Broughton correctional facilities. The Sunset Rehabilitation centre which was reopened recently and which currently houses 26 inmates, will also house some of the inmates who will be transferred.
NEW CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS
"We will also be recruiting 150 new correctional officers in the new year," Major Reese revealed. He said there will be a zero tolerance approach to all breaches, citing that there were 10 arrests made this year after persons attempted to smuggle contraband into the prisons. Four of those arrested were visitors and six staff.
"This is the highest number of arrests ever made, considering that we are policing ourselves, a move from one or two arrests per year to 10 is significant," said Reese.
There will also be the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the police force and the correctional services for mutual assistance and security programmes.
See related story in News Section - News1.
