Staff Officer Tixy Anderson (left) and Corporal Clive Sangster (right), escort one of their colleagues, Corporal Ansel Thompson, during a demonstration of the waist chain and leg iron security system, which the Department of Correctional Services is seeking Government's approval to use when necessary to transport high-risk inmates.- - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER HEAD OF the Correctional Services, Major Richard Reese, said the matter of securing high-risk inmates and remandees who have to be transferred to court or to fulfil external medical appointments is of great concern to his department and the police force.
He was speaking against the background of the escape of an inmate, who was under police guard, but fled from the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) last Wednesday. Over the years several inmates, while being transported to the KPH for treatment, have escaped.
The two most memorable incidents took place in April 1993, when about a dozen gunmen invaded the hospital and freed a high-risk prisoner, Devon Morrison, who at the time, was on the police most wanted list. Morrison was being escorted by three warders when the gunmen snatched him away.
Then in October 2000, five gunmen raided the hospital, shot and injured a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier, took his SLR rifle and freed high-risk prisoner Mark Morant, who was awaiting an extradition hearing. He was on the United States' most wanted list.
Explaining the use of the waist chain, Maj. Reese said it is placed around the waist to secure the handcuff, limiting the movement of a person's hands and arms, while the iron restricts the person from running.
NEED FOR APPROVAL
"This form of restraint, in addition to the jump suits, would require less officers to secure and supervise these inmates, but there would be need for the necessary approval to use these devices," said Major Reese.
Under the Correctional Act, restraint gears are only for safety and security, but not for punishment.
The Correctional Department is in discussion with the National Security Ministry to get its approval.
Human rights activist, Dr. Carolyn Gomes, of Jamaicans For Justice, said her organisation was not aware of the proposal by the Correctional Services and would have to look at the pros and the cons before commenting on the matter.
However, Monsignor Richard Albert is in support of the new method, which he said has been implemented in penal institution overseas.
"The Department of Corrections has to do all that is necessary to secure those persons they are responsible for. I think we have to give them our support, because too many good people are dying," said Monsignor Albert.
G.S.
