Prisoners throw filth on prison officers

According to reports, a lockdown was ordered at the Remand Section for a search for weapons in light of the stabbing of four prisons officers on Monday. No visits were allowed at the Remand Section as a result of the searches. At 9.30 am, while the searches were taking place, angry prisoners threw their slop pails at the officers. Officers continued the search and found a quantity of knives and other weapons.

Yesterday, Burton Hill, General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association, said an emergency meeting will be held today to discuss the stabbings and the unwarranted attacks on prison officers.

He added that all officers have been advised to take measures necessary to protect their lives.

Hill said the situation has reached a stage where officers must no longer put their lives at risk. He called on the Government to deal quickly with the manpower shortage at the prisons. He added that a meeting will be held with Prisons Commissioner John Rougier to discuss certain issues, after the meeting today.