An Emergency Control Unit has been established to investigate any illegal activities involving corrections officers. This unit, according to Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, was created to combat the issue of officers allegedly smuggling contraband into prisons.
This development has garnered considerable attention and concern, as it is alarming that contraband is being brought into prisons. The involvement of officers in such activities is particularly troubling. The unit aims to monitor and address officers who are willing to risk everything to smuggle illegal items.
Dr. Nakarawa emphasized the necessity of tackling this problem, which is not new. His comments followed an incident where an officer was allegedly caught smuggling illicit drugs and mobile phones into the Minimum Corrections Centre at Naboro during a recent night shift.
When officers are involved in smuggling drugs, it undermines the institution’s purpose. Additionally, inmates benefiting from smuggling activities continue to use illicit drugs in prison. This situation raises numerous concerns, including the integrity and commitment of prison wardens.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime states that the treatment of prisoners is crucial for community safety and protecting human rights. Globally, over 11 million people are incarcerated, and the number is growing. The primary purposes of imprisonment are to protect society from crime and prevent reoffending by ensuring safe and humane custody and preparing prisoners for their re-entry into society.
However, global prison systems face challenges like overcrowding, poor conditions, lack of resources, violence, and neglect, which hinder their ability to fulfill these objectives.
Domestically, there have been efforts to improve processes and systems, which is encouraging. Dr. Nakarawa noted past successes in cracking down on contraband smuggling, although the problem has resurged. He highlighted that officers caught smuggling face severe consequences, whereas inmates have little to lose.
The fundamental issue revolves around why officers engage in smuggling, risking their jobs and integrity. Addressing staff integrity, recruitment processes, enhanced training, and systems to detect and deter such actions are critical steps.
Dr. Nakarawa’s acknowledgment of these challenges and the establishment of the unit are positive developments. These measures should be viewed as essential components of a broader strategy to tackle this complex issue.