The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is implementing new measures aimed at cracking down on the smuggling of contraband into prisons.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Safeguarding Our Nation programme yesterday, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said the GPS has recognised this as a serious security issue that needs urgent attention, hence the need for preventative measures.
“We are installing state-of-the-art body cameras and bag scanners, and this will be done at all the prison locations. We will be introducing body cameras, and this will address the issue of transparency and accountability. And AI powered surveillance security system will be installed along with the operationalising of the central command centre that will oversee the operations of all the prisons,” he noted.
Elliot added that the GPS will also be increasing searches at various levels and will continue to have a multi-stakeholder approach through engagement with police and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) to look at various intelligence-led means.
“Overall, our focus is to reduce contraband and to have a zero-tolerance policy regarding persons facilitating contraband in prison. We do take this issue serious, and all efforts will be put in place to address contraband in prison,” Elliot said.
Additionally, Elliot explained that the GPS, in ascertaining the root causes of contraband entering the prisons, has come to the realisation that this is being facilitated through methods such as dishonest officers, ongoing construction work at prison facilities, persons throwing items over prison fences, and visitors concealing items.
Some of the major contraband items being smuggled into prisons include phones, weapons, and illegal drugs.
