Now is the time: Stage 3 lockdowns reduce contraband vectors

The safety and security of correctional centres is a top priority for QCS, and the implementation of visits restrictions has been a key strategy for the prevention of COVID-19 in entering correctional centres.

The cessation of visits has also removed some opportunities for the introduction of contraband into correctional centres, leading to a call for officers to be vigilant of attempts to introduce contraband using other measures.

A/Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations, Peter Shaddock, praised the continuing vigilance of officers in preventing the introduction of contraband, regardless of the current COVID-19 restrictions.

“The dedicated efforts of our officers are at the core of our contraband prevention activities. They take their role in ensuring the safety of our correctional centres, the people in our care, and most importantly, their colleagues, very seriously,” DC Shaddock said.

DC Shaddock said with the removal of visits, officers should be alert to attempts to introduce prohibited items through other means, including prisoners attempting to coerce officers to smuggle contraband.

“The COVID-19 situation introduces a number of risks to our environment, but also the perfect set of circumstances to deal with the dangerous industry of contraband introduction to the extent we are able.

“We will never stop people from attempting to introduce drugs and other contraband into prisons, but the current conditions present as the ideal time to step up our deliberate focus on barrier controls.

“This is the most opportune time for our dedicated officers, who are already hardening the security of alternate methods of entry, to be particularly vigilant,” A/Deputy Commissioner Shaddock said.