Increased manpower to deal with prison violence

The prisoner serving a sentence of death injured himself using an improvised weapon; he was immediately taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment and was kept overnight for observation.

He was released from the hospital on Friday morning and is considered to be in a satisfactory condition.

Rougier said, inmates serving death sentences are considered high risks and there is a need to be continuously vigilant in order to minimise the occurrence of harm to the individual, other inmates and officers.

Rougier added that intervention strategies are used to help identify and treat prisoners who may be experiencing suicidal tendencies such as depression, fear and loss of self-esteem. The treatment offered through the Prisons’ Welfare Officers, Psychologist and Medical Professionals.

The Commissioner explained that violence in prisons is a challenge faced by prison authorities internationally and demands constant monitoring and management in order to minimise violent behaviour and incidences.

He made reference to an incident which took place on August 21, at the Maximum Security Prison when 11 African inmates were taken out for exercise and airing.

The inmates began acting hostile and violently when they were advised it was time to return to their cells.

Senior prisons officials at MSP were called in to speak to the inmates but they continued to behave irrationally. An altercation occurred leaving four Prisons Officers injured. The Prisons Emergency Response Team was called in and necessary force was used to bring control to the situation — two weapons were ceased.

When the inmates returned to their cells their irrational behaviour continued as they threw faeces at officers.

This incident was a culmination of aggressive behaviour by the inmates which began on September 16.

None of the inmates were injured, four officers were treated by the Prisons Medical and Infirmary Officers and two of them were given fourteen days sick leave. Police were called in and are presently conducting investigations which will determine the necessary action.

Rougier explained, that 14 African refugees are presently housed at the Maximum Security Prison, an attempt to return the individuals to their homeland was made less than two months ago but was aborted when Venezuelan authorities decided that they would not allow them through the airport in the interest of public safety due to their aggressive behaviour. He assured, that special efforts are made to keep the inmates in safe and humane conditions and they are separated from other prisoners.

He added that returning the inmates to their homeland is not the responsibility of the Prisons Service, however all efforts are being made by the Ministry of National Security and the Immigration Department to take them home.

The Commissioner indicated, that the transformation presently undertaken by the Prisons Service will assist in addressing challenges faced by the administration; and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of officers and by extension the Prisons Service.

Rougier assured that he has been receiving the support from the Ministry of National Security as is demonstrated through the recent approval by Government for an additional 2,073 Prison Officers and allocation of 100 acres of land for new facilities.

The Commissioner said, he is very pleased with the progress made by his administration to transform the service thus far and applauded the efforts of Prison Officers who daily protect the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago by executing their duties and going beyond the call of duty without fail. He called on officers to continue working with the Prisons Administration and assured that conscientious working conditions will continue to improve.