UBP: Prison Review A “Positive Step”

Government’s recent announcement about a prison review is a “positive step,” said United Bermuda Party MP Kim Swan.

“Notwithstanding this recent announcement, we remain concerned for the ongoing safety of Prison Officers on the front line of duty in the interim, as there is a time line between the review and future implementation of its recommendations,” said Mr Swan.

“Also, it is important to appreciate that the job of a Corrections Officer in modern day Bermuda has taken on a greater security risk as the proliferation of the gang culture has changed the mind set and demeanor of prisoners in recent years.”

Mr Swan’s statement follows after the news that Phil Wheatley, the former head of the U.K Prison Service, will review the Department of Corrections with the aim of producing a 5 year strategic plan. The announcement was made via a joint press release from Attorney-General Kim Wilson and Chairman of the Prison Officers Association Craig Clarke.

The full statement from the UBP is below:

Opposition party’s in Bermuda are often criticized for not offering solutions, it is a fair criticism, because many in the community consider that if you truly care for the country you are desirous of leading, you will offer your ideas and/or solutions up to make an immediate impact on our society.

Today we (UBP) are pleased to learn that the government have taken on board the first recommendation contained in the United Bermuda Party’s Reply to the Budget 2012/13 delivered by our spokesman for Finance Mr. Charlie Swan MP which reads as follows:-

” Mr. Speaker, ”

” We consider National Security as a non-partisan issue and support the need for a coalition of efforts between government, Private business, Community organizations, Churches of all denominations, Sporting clubs, the Media and Political parties working together to solve the problems created by the proliferation of a the gang culture….. ”

” Mr. Speaker,”

” We must express our deep concern for the safety of the correction officers on the front-line at our islands Prisons. ”

” Mr. Speaker,”

” With the tremendous shift in the social climate in Bermuda through the proliferation of the gang culture the Prisons in Bermuda most definitely have become more dangerous place to work and require a more careful security scrutiny. ”

” Mr. Speaker,”

” We in the United Bermuda Party support regular reviews of the social and psychological state of Bermuda’s correctional institutions. In addition, we feel that it is necessary for our prison officers to be kept abreast of modern methods used internationally and that the safety and welfare of the officers will always be a priority. ” (End Quote)

Notwithstanding this recent announcement, we remain concerned for the ongoing safety of Prison Officers on the front line of duty in the interim, as there is a time line between the review and future implementation of its recommendations.

Also, it is important to appreciate that the job of a Corrections Officer in modern day Bermuda has taken on a greater security risk as the proliferation of the gang culture has changed the mind set and demeanor of prisoners in recent years.

We respectfully consider this announcement a positive step and are pleased that the announcement was done jointly with the Prison Officers Association.

#UBP

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