The prison situation
Editor: The situation where, in a short space of time, two prisoners have escaped the Belle Isle Correctional Facility is beginning to draw attention to its security and maybe even the causes.{{more}}
We know that no system in the world is perfect. Likewise, no amount of things done in ensuring maximum security will ever be perfect and there would still be persons who will be able to find a way to escape. Having said that, there are some important recommendations that should be given some consideration in order to minimize the possibility of prisoners escaping and to aid in increasing the security.
I do believe that there would be many questions asked about security and investigations done. I would recommend that there be an increase in the staff at the BELLE ISLE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. For, indeed, an increased staff can allow for more monitoring of activities in and around the institution. Of course, the internal issues, if any exist, have to be dealt with in an honest and fair manner.
It is also time for innovations. We are living in modern times and many of the prisoners today are intelligent and educated, unlike the previous years. Thus, it will be worthwhile to invest some money, by the Ministry of National Security, in purchasing and installing surveillance cameras in and around the institution â not only at BELLE ISLE â but also at Kingstown.
I know it is expensive to do so, but in the end it can avoid and minimize the number of prisoners trying to escape. For, with these cameras, they would be able to monitor the activities taking place and so quick action can be taken on suspicious activities.
I know that there would be prisoners who would still plan a way out to avoid being seen on the cameras or their activity being picked up, but it would be few and far between. Considering the location of the BELLE ISLE PRISON, it would be a worthwhile investment.
After all, the safety and protection of persons are important. Likewise, the confidence in the system must be guaranteed.
Kennard King
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