Prison officers to access police training to enhance capability

Prison officers to access police training to enhance capability – Pres. Granger

Jun 05, 2016 News

Prison officers will soon undergo training under the Guyana Police Force, (GPF) as part of plans to enhance the capabilities of the prison system.

President David Granger

President David Granger made this disclosure during a recent press briefing at the Ministry of Presidency, Main Office.
The President explained that starting this year, prison officers will be trained in the Police Academy to raise the level of competence at the prisons.
According to the Head of State, the number of prison officers at Mazaruni will also be augmented to have a larger number of officers supervising the operations of the penitentiary.
The President explained that this is towards having a unit in place in case of emergencies, so that prison officers will no longer need assistance from the joint services.
Additionally, Granger said that the government will also place emphasis on strengthening the Mazaruni Prison.
He noted the process of redeploying prisoners from Georgetown to Mazaruni Prisons is continuing even as efforts to repair and upgrade the infrastructure at the Mazaruni Prison, continues.
Earlier this week, President Granger was presented with a report of the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the recent disturbances at the Camp Street Prisons.
The report, which comprised of a list of recommendations, was handed over to President Granger by Chairman of the Commission Justice James Patterson.
Justice Patterson and Commissioners Merle Mendonca and Dale Erskine were tasked with investigating and reporting on the March 3 prison incident which claimed the lives of 17 inmates of the Camp Street Prisons.
The men were said to be burnt alive after a fire broke out at the Capital Block ‘A’ building.
According to the rules of procedure, the panel was expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the President and Minister of Public Security.
Following the handing over ceremony on Wednesday, Justice Patterson noted that concerns were specifically raised about the issue of overcrowding at the Camp Street prison.
Justice Patterson said the government would need to urgently address the problem.
The retired judicial officer also noted that the administration should pay more attention to reformation services offered to inmates.
“When they come out they must be able to earn something. To alleviate the crowding aspect, we would want it to be considered as urgent, the improvement of physical and social facilities. We were concerned about the overcrowding and that concern is immediate. We want it done like yesterday”, Patterson asserted.