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Security clampdown behind prison tension

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

A MAJOR security clampdown has created an atmosphere of tension and hostility among inmates at Mountjoy Prison according to the Irish Prison Service (IPS).
The enhanced security system is believed to have sparked the recent riot in the prison which left a number of prison officers in need of hospital treatment.
“Over the past five or six weeks we have beefed up the security in the prison,” Sean Sullivan of the IPS said.
“All visitors to the prison are now subject to enhanced security screening, similar to that in an airport.
“We have metal detectors, X-ray machines and a passive drug dog which detects if a visitor has been in recent contact with drugs.”
He added: “We have seized drugs and mobiles which visitors were trying to smuggle into prisoners.”
According to the spokesperson, the new security measures are proving an effective deterrent.
“Because we have so many systems to detect drugs, fewer people are willing to take the chance of getting caught trying to smuggle in contraband,” Mr Sullivan said.
“There is no doubt that the recent incident at the prison was as a result of the new system. It obviously isn’t going down well with prisoners and it is proving an aggravating factor.”
It is believed that over 70 prisoners were involved in the riot, which broke out in a basement recreation centre in the D Wing of the prison on Saturday July 12.
The violent stand off lasted two hours and was finally brought under control when around 100 prison guards in riot gear stormed the area to restore control.
The Irish Prison Services responded to claims that overcrowding was to blame for the incident.
“We have 580 beds in Mountjoy and there were fewer than 600 prisoners in the prison on the day of the incident,” Mr Sullivan defended.
“Overcrowding was certainly not the cause of the incident despite what line the Prison Officers Association is trying to put out.
“I think the fact that the prison officers were able to deal with the incident so effectively and professionally bares testament to this.
“There was a very low level of injuries as a result of the incident. I think to suggest otherwise would be an insult to the officers who handled the situation very successfully.”
Meanwhile, the Prison Officers Association (POA) said it was “deeply concerned” about the incident.
“Over a considerable period the POA has repeatedly warned management that there were serious issues and the potential for violence in Mountjoy and other prisons,” it was stated.
“The POA firmly believes that overcrowding is the main contributory factor to the ongoing tension in some of our prisons - and to the recent incident.
“We are now seeking an urgent meeting with senior management of the Irish Prison Service to discuss the serious implications of this most serious incident.”

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