Warder exposes widespread prison corruption

A prison warder has claimed widespread corruption within the organisation, accusing individuals at various levels of facilitating the smuggling of contraband into penal institutions.

"Let me tell you, behind that wall, there's a lot that the world doesn't know about. I've been there, so I can tell you," the warder told THE STAR.

The insider described an environment where corruption is pervasive and protected by powerful individuals within the system.

"Sometimes when you're not with the corruption that is happening, they tend to fight you out and try to kick you out of the work when you are untainted. I am not for what they are doing," the source shared.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) continues to grapple with corruption, with allegations ranging from organised crime within prisons to the facilitation of contraband smuggling by insiders. Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the extent of the problem when he disclosed on Monday that an inmate was involved in orcestrating last Sunday's mass shooting in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, which left eight persons dead and nine others nursing gunshot wounds.

"We know that persons overseas are involved and connected in this act. We know that persons who are incarcerated presently have connections in this act," Holness stated.

The insider further detailed how contraband, including communication devices, makes its way into the prisons with the help of both low- and higher-ranking personnel.

"They are cooking and buying things for them. They carry in phones on a regular [basis], but a money do all things," the source said.

"But you see, the sad thing about it, you know, is that these people are getting things to communicate in here and that's how people outside end up losing their lives. And it's not just coming from the low down, the low foot of people, it's coming from the high horses, too," the insider claimed.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for enforcement and technological enhancements within the DCS.

"The [Correctional Services] act was amended in 2021 to ensure more severe penalties for those who breach the act and take banned goods in prisons. Work will be done to strengthen various activities. We have just concluded a contract to introduce the camera system and more extensive systems in the correctional system, and to build out the intelligence service within there," Chang said.