Cell phone jammers restored at Tower Street prison

Two cell phone jammers have been restored at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre to block calls from the maximum security facility.
  
This is part of measures announced last month by the Ministry of National Security to revamp and strengthen security at the country's correctional facilities.
  
Speaking with RJR News Tuesday morning, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, said a Task Force is swiftly implementing a technology strategy for phased implementation in correctional institutions.

Mr. Charles said a zoning system is also to be implemented in the institutions to help with protection and intergrity of the facilities.  

CCTV

In the meantime, Mr. Charles said providers of CCTV surveillance systems in correctional facilities are conducting an assessment to determine whether the equipment have been effective.
  
He said other key security measures to be implemented are the installation of  X-Ray Scanning Machines at the Tower Street, St. Catherine Adult and the Horizon Adult Remand facilities as well as metal detectors and new Entry Management Protocols.

Corrections Act

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Security has completed a preliminary report on the evaluation of the Corrections Act.
   
The evaluation is aimed at identifying gaps in the legislation and to ensure that it is being used effectively.

Some of the gaps Mr. Charles highlighted are the fact that the definition of prohibited articles in the Act does not include cell phones. In addition, he said there are rules which allow for contraband that is found on an inmate to be held in safe keeping, "as opposed to it becoming a part of evidence that would lead to a conviction".

As a result he said changes to the Act will be aimed at ensuring that all channels leading to a conviction are made clear.
   
Mr. Charles said legal teams at the ministries of national security and justice completed a draft report which has been submitted to Cabinet.
   
Discussions will commence next month with the Attorney General and Office of  the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for their input on the matter.
   
He is hoping that the final submission will be sent to Cabinet next month.
   
The decision to revamp the correctional system followed criticism that incarcerated dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel was producing music.