Question NW1552 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Reply:

• Department of Correctional Services officials are continuously sensitised to comply with Security policies and procedures by ensuring that proper and regular searches of inmates, officials, visitors and services providers are conducted at access control points and in and around Correctional Facilities. For any non-compliance, consequence management which includes disciplinary cases and opening criminals cases with South African Police Services (SAPS) is undertaken.
• The Department is in the process of finalising the Intergrated Security System maintenance and repair programme in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The programme will ensure that Integrated Security Systems work effectively and efficiently.
• A bag-less society is implemented in all Correctional Facilities and this is reinforced during morning parade and at security forum committee meetings. Lockers fare installed outside the Correctional Facility for officials to leave their bags.
• Frequent patrolling of outer perimeter fencing is conducted on a daily basis, including foot patrols during the day and night. Vehicles are also fitted with spot lights for good visibility during night patrols.
• Tower posts around Correctional Facilities are manned.
• Searching of official vehicles, service providers and visitors using metal detectors search mirrors, scanners and body scanners at entry points is conducted.
• The use of Emergency Support Team (EST) officials to conduct random surprise search operations at all access points of the Correctional Facility are a constant feature.
• The assistance of SAPS, Metro Police (Sniffer dogs), South African Revenue Services (SARS) inspection services (illegal imports) and Crime Intelligence Unit are requested at different intervals.
• the use of DCS K9 Unit (sniffer dogs & corridor dogs) during surprise searching operations.
• The use of walkthrough, hand held metal detectors, scanners serves to help detect contrabands.

END