28 April
Following unsuccessful attempts to smuggle drugs into Christchurch Men’s Prison the Corrections Operational Intelligence Unit has picked up the proverbial ball and run with it.
“After a few incidences of staff at the prison discovering tennis balls thrown over the fence stuffed with drugs, the Intelligence team down there worked with custodial staff to determine the likely prisoners involved,” says National Intelligence Manager Rick McKee.
“A significant amount of targeted phone monitoring over March and April then led to five current prisoners, three ex-prisoners and numerous associates being identified. We passed this information onto Prison Management and Police and all concerned are now facing the consequences of their actions.
“Information provided by the team enables prison managers to make decisions and change operations to prevent crime. This work improves the safety of the public by preventing offenders committing crime from within prison.”
The prisoners were all moved from the unit and are facing internal discipline charges and a review of their security classification as well as having all related phone numbers removed from their approved calling list. Any of the prisoners’ visitors associated with the throw-overs have also been banned from the prison.
“Prisoners are encouraged to maintain links with family and support networks to assist their reintegration when leaving prison. However, call-monitoring technology means we can identify when this privilege is abused and ensure that the safety of the public and our communities is preserved.
“We liaise closely with Police and other agencies, providing them with information and evidence to use in their investigations or to bring charges against those involved in criminal offending.
“Police used the information provided to them in this instance to locate a cannabis growing operation in North Canterbury and arrest a woman for that. Phone monitoring also provided the name of a gang member currently living in Christchurch who Police have been trying to identify for some time.”
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