12 September 2007
Positive results from general random drug testing at Christchurch Men’s Prison have plummeted from 48% in the three months from March to June 1998 to 17% in the year to June 2007.
Prison Manager John Roper says the Department of Corrections’ determination to rid prisons of drugs and contraband has been rigorous and he’s quietly confident that the successes achieved by Christchurch Men’s Prison will have a significant and long-lasting impact.
The past 12 months have seen an X-ray machine and walk-through metal detector installed in the single entry prison gatehouse, a second drug dog brought onsite and the employment of a Crime Prevention Information Capability (CPIC) team to help Corrections’ build intelligence capability on drugs and illegal items entering the prison.
CPIC is based on best-practice models of intelligence seen in justice sector agencies such as Police and Customs, as well as overseas corrections jurisdictions including Australia, Canada and United Kingdom.
There are five CPIC regional teams (plus three teams established for Corrections four newest prisons) comprising of analysts, managers and support officers and drug dog handlers.
Mr Roper says the CPIC team employed for the Christchurch area keeps him well advised and it's paying off.
"They're very focused on ridding the prison of crime-related activities. In conjunction with our custodial staff, they're doing a great job," he says.
The X-ray machine that all staff and visitors pass through in the gatehouse is also getting good results.
"It's no use people trying to conceal drugs in items such as wood, sandstone blocks, push chair handles, shoes and thermos flasks.
"Thanks to the X-ray machine, we will find them. Everyone entering the site has their belongings passed through the X-ray machine, concealed cellphones are picked up by the metal detector and they and/or their vehicle could be checked by drug dogs.
Mr Roper says between June 2006 and June 2007 Christchurch Men's Prison randomly searched 2493 vehicles, 6153 visitors and 1686 staff. The detection of cellphones is now a key offensive in Corrections' bid to curb organised crime and unauthorised contact within prison.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk: