Prison officers smuggling contraband tarnishing service: McDowell
Contraband smuggling by prison officers to inmates tarnishes the reputation of the service and will not be tolerated, it was claimed today.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell told the Prison Officers Association (POA) annual conference in Sligo that the small number of officers accused of such behaviour overshadowed the dedicated work of the vast majority of members.
Mr McDowell said 600 mobile phones had been seized from inmates in the last year, but the POA argued its members fought to prevent smuggling in jails at great personal risk and without sufficient government support.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend staff for their co-operation in the battle against the scourge of drugs within the prison system,” Mr McDowell told delegates.
“However, it would be remiss of me not to mention the issue of trafficking by a small minority of staff.
“In recent months, a small number of staff has been arrested on suspicion of delivering contraband to prisoners, either under duress or voluntarily.
“Trafficking of contraband is something that cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Mr McDowell said the majority of prison staff were honest, dedicated and hardworking, but are being let down by a minority.
“It is incumbent on the Irish Prison Service to stand firm against those who seek to jeopardise both the good reputation of law-abiding officers and indeed the safety and security of both staff and prisoners alike.”
The controversy comes after an inmate telephoned RTE Radio’s Liveline programme from his cell in the high security prison in Portlaoise.
It is understood the minister was angered at how an inmate was able to make a mobile phone call without it being detected by prison staff.
Minister McDowell told POA delegates that the introduction of new technology to help search obscure areas like hollow bed legs, drains or floorboards would assist in the seizure of contraband material.
But POA President Gabriel Keavney said it was completely unacceptable that any person would be involved in contraband trafficking.
“We can wipe out the use of mobile phones in our prisons if the minister so decides. Let’s not try to pin this on prison officers,” he said.
“Prison officers all around the country work to block the import of illegal items to prisons on a daily basis.
“This is difficult work being done without clear direction or policy.
“So let’s decide what the policy is and let’s implement it with all the necessary resources and technology available and let’s ensure that we are fully supported at the highest possible levels within the organisation.”
