The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

HER Majesty’s Prison has put a “dent” in the amount of contraband being brought into the prison - decreasing levels about two per cent, according to Prison Superintendent Patrick Wright.

He told the press yesterday that although he couldn’t go into detail, HMP has already “put some mechanisms in place” to help mitigate the long-standing problem.

“Contraband is a way of life in prisons, around the world,” Supt Wright said, saying even the largest, most advanced prisons in the world struggle with the problem, daily.

He explained “we could have the greatest technology” and a “billion-dollar budget” but eliminating contraband is a challenge to prisons, everywhere.

Supt Wright said what’s most important to stopping the problem is having “persons with integrity” and pointed to yesterday’s meetings, between Bahamian and Canadian prison officials, which were targeted at ensuring all officers acquire the necessary skills and training to be effective.

Supt Wright said of HMP’s efforts against contraband: “I can’t go into any detail, but we have already put some mechanism in place and we are putting a dent in contraband... I’ve seen a decrease. I would probably say, about two per cent.”

Last August HMP received $50,000 worth of state-of-the-art anti-contraband equipment, courtesy of the US Embassy.

Then Prison Superintendent Ellison Rahming revealed the prison confiscates as many as 20 cellphones per week.

The anti-contraband equipment had included two cell phone detectors, a chair capable of scanning the body for hidden weapons, and a drug screening kit that provided results in minutes.

Dr Rahming had said at the time: “We’re not pleased with the level of contraband – you’re never pleased – and so we’re always looking for new ways to reduce the inflow of contraband coming into the prison.”