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MINISTER of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, in his address to the junior ranks of the Basics Training Course 1 OF 2013, reminded recruits that they must maintain their integrity and professionalism. Continuing, he said: “I am not pre-judging anyone, but be reminded that while the prize may be big, the price for being unprofessional is bigger”.
This is wise advice, that these budding officers should best heed, and they are uttered at the most opportune time of the prison system, indeed, the entire disciplined services, with the commencement of the Security Sector Reform Programme.
So much has been written about the need to reform the nation’s penal system throughout the decades. And as well that it has been said, since such suggestions have been matched by a concomitant rise of serious incidents that have involved prison officers, who are the principal custodians of the state’s numerous guests.
That prison officers have been charged for incidents that have compromised the integrity of the system, is well known. Indeed, these incidents that centre on the well known taking of illegal substances and prohibited items into the prison environment, have not done the tradition of the service any good. But the system must be commended, for having taken swift action against these malfeasants. They have all had their services terminated, charged and placed before the court and, where appropriate, have been given custodial sentences. Not so long ago, there was a case of a former officer sentenced to a term in an environment that he once assisted to manage.
Absolutely, such serious cases of misconduct are not expected of any person who enters such a system for duty on behalf of the state. Neither are these occurrences in the best interests of the inmate, a party to the malfeasance nor, to the doctrine of safe keeping of offenders.
Those persons who decide on such a vocation should be reminded of the seriousness of their daily functions. They must understand that bringing such items to such a place as a prison, whether for their own nefarious purposes in collusion with an inmate, is a serious compromise of the integrity of a system where security is an absolute. Further, in most instances, they undermine that inmate’s objective chances of a proper reflection of his personal error, and therefore adds to his chances of becoming a recedevist. Since the prison officer’s role is to assist in the proper safe-keeping of those who break the laws of the state, it is incontestable that once he commits any act that threatens the integrity of such a function, he is similarly as guilty as his charge, even more.
It is imperative that change must come to such a system, as Minister Rohee emphasised the need to rehabilitate the prisoners, so that those capable “can make a meaningful contribution to society system”. However, since it is people who must pilot such an important project, it becomes an urgent necessity for the system to induct its new entrants in accordance with such a philosophy.
As Minister Rohee wisely said, “The main issue is to understand the need to modernise the service for the betterment of the ranks, prisoners and the nation as a whole”.
Such dishonest officers must be removed, and be de-barred, from such an important process, since their continuous presence will pose an instant impediment.
This is wise advice, that these budding officers should best heed, and they are uttered at the most opportune time of the prison system, indeed, the entire disciplined services, with the commencement of the Security Sector Reform Programme.
So much has been written about the need to reform the nation’s penal system throughout the decades. And as well that it has been said, since such suggestions have been matched by a concomitant rise of serious incidents that have involved prison officers, who are the principal custodians of the state’s numerous guests.
That prison officers have been charged for incidents that have compromised the integrity of the system, is well known. Indeed, these incidents that centre on the well known taking of illegal substances and prohibited items into the prison environment, have not done the tradition of the service any good. But the system must be commended, for having taken swift action against these malfeasants. They have all had their services terminated, charged and placed before the court and, where appropriate, have been given custodial sentences. Not so long ago, there was a case of a former officer sentenced to a term in an environment that he once assisted to manage.
Absolutely, such serious cases of misconduct are not expected of any person who enters such a system for duty on behalf of the state. Neither are these occurrences in the best interests of the inmate, a party to the malfeasance nor, to the doctrine of safe keeping of offenders.
Those persons who decide on such a vocation should be reminded of the seriousness of their daily functions. They must understand that bringing such items to such a place as a prison, whether for their own nefarious purposes in collusion with an inmate, is a serious compromise of the integrity of a system where security is an absolute. Further, in most instances, they undermine that inmate’s objective chances of a proper reflection of his personal error, and therefore adds to his chances of becoming a recedevist. Since the prison officer’s role is to assist in the proper safe-keeping of those who break the laws of the state, it is incontestable that once he commits any act that threatens the integrity of such a function, he is similarly as guilty as his charge, even more.
It is imperative that change must come to such a system, as Minister Rohee emphasised the need to rehabilitate the prisoners, so that those capable “can make a meaningful contribution to society system”. However, since it is people who must pilot such an important project, it becomes an urgent necessity for the system to induct its new entrants in accordance with such a philosophy.
As Minister Rohee wisely said, “The main issue is to understand the need to modernise the service for the betterment of the ranks, prisoners and the nation as a whole”.
Such dishonest officers must be removed, and be de-barred, from such an important process, since their continuous presence will pose an instant impediment.
