This September I was pleased to announce the signing of an agreement between the Department of Corrections, Vodafone and Telecom giving the Department the ability to block the use of cell-phones in our prisons. We will roll out this blocking technology and other technologies across the country’s prisons.
Implementation of blocking solutions is well under way at Hawke’s Bay and Northland Prisons.
The parties have been working towards this goal for four years, and it is believed that this type of agreement has not been reached anywhere else in the world. It will provide a powerful new tool in the fight against crime.
All parties recognise the huge benefits for society from preventing the abuse of cell-phones in prisons, but it is important that the technology does not interfere with lawful users close to prison sites. For this reason it is important to recognise that the blocking technology would not be the total solution in all prisons and that a combination of technologies, along with increased deterrence, security and detection would provide a package of solutions.
Over 20 available technologies were tested and we have now been able to agree on a number of solutions, including a mix of technologies that can be implemented across the prison system to help put unauthorised cell-phones out of action.
Our prisons are now surrounded by 17 kilometres of fencing, and Corrections is working towards a single point of entry in all of our prison sites. We also have the ability to collect, analyse and act on “intelligence” obtained through improved monitoring in all sites.
As I announced in June, I am also about to introduce amendments to the Corrections Act which will boost search powers and stiffen penalties for anyone who is foolish enough to bring communications devices, drugs or weapons into prisons. New prison sentences of three months and 12 months are to be introduced.
I and my colleague, Communications Minister David Cunliffe, thank Telecom and Vodafone for their cooperation. Both companies have recognised the high level of public concern and have spent a lot of time, effort and technical expertise helping Corrections get to this point. We would like to acknowledge that commitment.
Hon Damien O’Connor
Minister of Corrections
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ISSN 1178-8453