Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter
PRISONERS, MOST of whom have been classified as high risk, are rubbing shoulders with members of the public in the corridors of the Supreme Court, downtown Kingston.
The practice has been condemned by some members of the security forces who are calling on the authorities to take immediate steps to remedy the situation.
A police officer has described the situation as a security risk.
Yesterday was not the first time that the complaint was made. Some policemen say that for several years, they have raised the matter at meetings to improve security measures at the courthouse.
There have been incidents in which prisoners have escaped while being escorted from court.
HIGH RISK PRISONERS
"Most of the accused persons who are in custody are classified as high risk prisoners and it is full time that the Government design the courthouse so that prisoners can be taken from the holding area downstairs, through a passage into the courtrooms," a senior police officer said.
The situation is no different when prisoners such as Joel Andem, who was on the police Most Wanted List for four years, and well-known Matthews Lane resident Donald 'Zekes' Phipps appear in court.
Although security is strengthened when they appear in court, they too have to walk beside members of the public who are doing business at the courthouse.
The Home Circuit Court and the Gun Court are at the Supreme Court building. The Home Circuit Court has four courtrooms while the Gun Court has two. The courtrooms are on different floors of the building and are more than 50 yards away from the cell.
On Fridays, when cases are mentioned, more than 100 accused persons are taken to court.
