Enhanced Security Measures
In June 2007 the Government approved the resources necessary to introduce a package of new security measures which will target the routes whereby contraband such as drugs, weapons and mobile phones are trafficked into our prisons. Since then the Irish Prison Service has been putting in place the necessary physical infrastructure for these measures, recruiting the extra staff and the roll-out of the various elements commenced in May 2008.
Operational Support Units
Operational Support units are now in operation in all of our closed prisons (excluding Training Unit and Arbour Hill). These Units act as a dedicated search team, the first responders to any alarm or incident, the designated control & restraint team for cell removals and relocations and the on call fire picket.
The OSUs also have the following additional responsibilities: gathering and collating all intelligence information in the prison; carrying out high profile escorts; assisting the security chief officer in the continuing assessment and improvement of security within the prison.
Security Screening Unit
This screening is now fully in operation for all staff and visitors entering our closed prisons (excluding Training Unit and Arbour Hill).
Drug Detection Dog Unit
A Drug Detection Dog Unit (comprising 31 dog handling teams) has been established on a national basis.
The first 16 such teams are in operation having completed their training with the Northern Ireland Prison Service and are in operation in our prisons and by the middle of this year full strength will be achieved.
The opening of a new segregation unit for serious drug and criminal gang members. The first such unit in Cloverhill Prison has been completed.
The development of Mobile Phone Inhibition technology
The installation of a pilot scheme of technology to prevent the use of mobile phones in prisons began in Midlands / Portlaoise Prison Complex in April 2007.
The Inhibitors are being introduced on a phased basis in terms both of the physical structure of the prison, i.e., on a building by building basis and also in terms of the communications bands / channels that are being inhibited.
The Midlands scheme is now nearing completion and the Irish Prison Service is at an advanced stage in terms of its acceptance testing procedures. All indications continue to be very positive and the project to install inhibitors in Portlaoise Prison has commenced.
Irish Prison Service
IDA Business Park,
Ballinalee Road, Longford,
Co. Longford
+353 43 3335100 Fax: +353 43 3335101
Email: info@irishprisons.ie
www.irishprisons.ie
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