The Jamaican Ministry of National Security, in responding to howls of condemnation of the proliferation of songs recorded by inmates permeating the airwaves, has outlined measures to strengthen security in correctional institutions and stamp out the practice.
The ministry said measures are being implemented to eliminate the smuggling of cell phones and other contraband, and also clarified the conditions under which music is recorded by inmates in maximum security facilities.
Junior Minister of Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, said it would not be business as usual.
“There are two radio stations at Tower Street and St. Catherine, which have been utilised in that regard. This however does not include unauthorised and illegal recordings. Any such activities are prohibited, and punitive action will be taken against any officer or inmate found involved and in breach of these regulations”, Charles said.
Former Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, was the subject of death threats and vile barbs after she publicly advocated for the music of imprisoned dancehall star, Vybz Kartel to be banned from radio.
Four staffers at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) were recently arrested and are now before the court on charges pertaining to corruptive dealings with inmates, while other officers have been removed for alleged unprofessional conduct.
The DCS is also strengthening its collaboration with the police and the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, to analyze data found on cellular phones seized in the correctional institutions.
Charles also said arising from several high-level security meetings, a system-wide security assessment will be implemented to strengthen the internal controls in all institutions and deter corruption and the conduct of criminal activity within the correctional facilities.
Among the security measures to be implemented are:
Amendments to existing legislation, regulations and procedures to increase accountability and enforcement;
The installation of X-Ray Scanning Machines at Tower Street and St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centres and the Horizon Adult Remand Centre;
Metal detectors and New Entry Management Protocols;
Polygraphing of all recruits and correctional officers;
Relocation of Inmates and Re-zoning spaces in all institutions;
Expanded CCTV coverage across the Correctional System; and
Enhanced use of cellular phone jamming technology.
“We have to respect the public’s concerns, protect our citizens and secure the reputation of the honest, hard-working correctional officers in the system. We will make every effort to eradicate corruption and criminality and to hold persons accountable for breaches, as well as deficiencies in management. It is unacceptable that breaches continue year after year, and it is time to draw a line in the sand. What now exists is a dysfunctional system, where we have to contend with contraband entering our correctional facilities and the allegations of complicity of our staff in this matter. This poses a potential threat to our national security and to our efforts to redefine and transform the Department of Correctional Services”, said Charles.
