Few cops in South to oversee scores of prisoners

The officers complained yesterday that their tasks were not becoming easier with each passing day, with angry prisoners venting their frustration over lack of basic amenities.

“Our strength is supposed to consist of one sergeant, one corporal and 25 constables. But what we have now is one corporal and four or five constables,” a police officer complained yesterday outside the court.

On a daily basis, about 60 to 70 prisoners from Remand Yard, Golden Grove Prison, are brought to court. “We need more staff urgently,” he said.

Yesterday police officers swung into action after a fight broke out among prisoners in the cell block. The situation was brought under control, but inside the holding bay of the First Court, a group of prisoners cursed and threatened deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington.

The prisoners, who were not allowed out of the holding bay because of their unruly and violent behaviour, complained about the delay of their cases.

The prisoners threatened to riot and refused to go back to the cell block. On hearing the commotion, officers attending matters in the other courts, rushed into the First Court to assist.

The Court and Process officers were able to persuade the prisoners to return to the cell block.