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Welcome to the EuroPris Knowledge Management System. The table below shows questions and responses from European National Agencies. Select a question for more information or use the filters on the left to narrow down questions based on Agency or Category.
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Introduction: Our Ministers are interested in how other countries operate daily cell searching. We are trying to understand whether daily/regular cell searching for contraband works and what would be required to implement it within UK prisons. We are mostly interested with Norway and Sweden, but would be interested in any international comparator that does do daily cell searching.
Yes. Generally, two times per week and under specific circumstances, every day.
What are the finds on a daily basis and did they see a decrease following increased searching?Generally, the most efficent measures are the ones that take place in realtion with communications and external contact of inmates (leaves).
What sanctions are implemented if contraband is found within cells?It depends on the founded prohibited objetcs, their ammount, etc. In general, the most common sanctions are isolation, restriction of communications, restriction of leaves and restriction of common activities.
Do they have data comparing levels of contraband within the prison before and after they began regular cell searching?For sure, there is a relation, but it is difficult to make a direct one. In this sense, contraband depends on more factors than one.
The Irish Prison Service conducts 2 randomly selected cell searches per landing or unit on each prison division or wing daily.
What are the finds on a daily basis and did they see a decrease following increased searching?Finds (if any) range from drugs to mobile phones, weapons, illegal alcohol and any other items not permitted for in cell possession. Medications not permitted for in possession retention.
What sanctions are implemented if contraband is found within cells?Sanctions range depending on the severity or level of contraband find. Significant finds may be referred to the Police. Mobile phones (if found) are similarly handed over as evidence (if in possession of an identified prisoner) as it is illegal to have mobile phones or components of in prisons. The sanctions possible are outlined in the Prisons Act, and are guided by Irish Prison Service recommendation as regards level of sanction against offence (but the Act takes precedent)
Do they have data comparing levels of contraband within the prison before and after they began regular cell searching?Regular cell searching has not proven to reduce overall contraband levels, it serves to discourage many prisoners, but concerted efforts by those profiting from such activity remains The Irish Prison Service also operate an intelligence led enhanced searching ability though its Operational Support Group, teams of specialist staff operate in support of prisons, in monitoring criminal activity and striving to disrupt criminal activity within prisons. These prison officers have specialist search training and equipment.
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The SPPS conducts both daily and thorough searches of cells and all spaces/areas where inmates are staying. Daily searches are carried out in all cells and public areas in order to gain overall control of order and safety. In addition to purely safety aspects, the search includes control of order and hygiene issues, combustible material, escape routes, equipment, possession, possible vandalism and suicide prevention. Documents may be reviewed if deemed necessary. When a prisoner is in the space to be searched, a superficial body search is carried out before leaving the space. Superficial body searches are carried out when a prisoner leaves or returns to the ward in connection with work, school, etc. In connection with unattended visits, body searches are carried out where the prisoner is obliged to change clothes and pass through a metal detector. Thorough search is security-oriented and a complete review of a selected space. This includes checking the presence of drugs, drug paraphernalia, tools, weapons, mobile phones and other prohibited items. Items that can be used in escape preparations, for vandalism, in situations of violence or for conducting criminal activities shall be sought. Each cell and space must be searched on a certain number of occasions per month (depending on the level of security of the remand prison/prison) after an unpredictable scheme. If prisoners are in the space where a thorough search is to be carried out, a body search is conducted before the prisoner leaves the space. Thorough searches are also carried out on suspicion. Thorough search of an entire ward is carried out during special operations (e.g. in case of disturbances in order or when searching for specific objects). Detection dogs are located in remand prisons and prisons to support the search for drugs. As a perimeter search filter, prisons and remand prisons with a higher level of security have general entry control. All persons (prisoners, staff, visitors, police, lawyers, etc.) and all materials/goods entering the prison pass through a system of metal detectors, X-rays and manual search.
What are the finds on a daily basis and did they see a decrease following increased searching?The system of daily and thorough searches has been established within the SPPS for many years, there is no relevant reference point to the previous situation.
What sanctions are implemented if contraband is found within cells?Sanctions depend on the nature of the unauthorized possession. Possession of belongings that are generally permitted but exceed the permissible amount (ex. clothing) are removed or placed in the inmate's storage (e.g. private books, snacks from the kiosk, pictures, CDs). In the case of illicit possession, the sanction scale goes from a notice via a formal warning to postponed conditional release. Misconduct may also entail transfer of the inmate to a higher security-class prison/remand prison. In case of possession of illegal material, the SPPS sanction can be supplemented with a police report.
Do they have data comparing levels of contraband within the prison before and after they began regular cell searching?No, see answer to question 2. However, it can be concluded that the introduction of general entry control and the introduction of detection dogs have significantly reduced the presence of prohibited items (such as drugs and mobile phones) in these prisons and remand prisons.
In Latvian prisons, cells and premises are inspected according to the schedule approved by Head of the prison, but not less than twice a month.
What are the finds on a daily basis and did they see a decrease following increased searching?Cell phones, SIM cards, wireless Internet modems, pills of unknown origin as well as other prohibited articles and substances are found in Latvian prisons during the inspection of cells and premises.
What sanctions are implemented if contraband is found within cells?Prisoners, for possession of prohibited articles, may be subject to a disciplinary punishment, such as placement in a punishment isolation cell for up to 15 twenty-four hour periods (gross offense).
Do they have data comparing levels of contraband within the prison before and after they began regular cell searching?Inspections of cells and premises in prisons are regular, therefore such a comparison is not necessary, but prisons submit a monthly report to Latvian Prison Administration on the prohibited articles removed from the prison.
1. Yes we do. The amount of cell searches depends of the category of inmates, but all cells are searched at least once a month. Cells of prisoners in maximum security level are searched once a week.
What are the finds on a daily basis and did they see a decrease following increased searching?2. The number of findings differs. In maximum security the number of findings is very low (app. 3 %), in open prisons (lowest security level) the number of findings is app. 33%. We can see, that the increase in numbers of cell searches has lowered the number of findings.
What sanctions are implemented if contraband is found within cells?3. Prisoners are sanctioned according to the findings, and if they have been sanctioned for the same violation earlier. The typical sanction is a fine or a number of days in isolation (between 5 and 15).
Do they have data comparing levels of contraband within the prison before and after they began regular cell searching?4. No, there is no secure data available from the period before we started regular cell searching with registration of findings.
In Norwegian prison we use two different types of cell-control. THis have been a practice for all closed prisons for several decades. 1. Cell check- A daily check of all cells, carried out by one officer. Here they check doors, hinges, windows, grates, floor, ceiling, and general order in the room. 2. Cell inspections- An inspection is done when there is a suspicion or a reason/occasion to make a search. This is to be operated by at least two officers. The inspection includes a very close examination of the entire room and its possessions. The inspection may use sniffer-dogs, tools, metal detectors or chemical equipment. A protocol is to be written, and a notification must be given the inmate of the cell. Inmates may be present if wanted by the staff, but usually they are not present. The frequency of these type of inspections depends on the situation in a prison or a part of it. If there are suspicions of drugs in the unit, many cells can be inspected, and this can carry on as long as we find it necessary. On the other hand, if there are no indications of irregularities it might be longer periods of time when an inspection seem necessary. A general control of all rooms where inmates have access must be performed regularly. The prisons are also able to make general inspections of several rooms, wings or departments in exceptional occasions. All searches and inspections are to be carried out as considerately as possible. Finding illegal items are to be held back by the prison. In serious cases the banned items might be handed to the police. In other cases the banned items might be handed to the storage-room with other items belonging to the inmate, but not allowed in the cell. In case of harm or damage being done on items belonging to inmates, inmate must be given information about compensation schemes.
What are the finds on a daily basis and did they see a decrease following increased searching?The cells are in general good order. The inspections are important as a preventive measure. Inmates are in general following the rules of what is allowed and what is prohibited. Occationaly there are finds which are to be followed futher, espesially after a previous suspicion.
What sanctions are implemented if contraband is found within cells?Depending on the finding, the inmate has to give his interview. The case can be solved from a written reprimand, loss of daily pay for a period of time, loss of other priveliges, loss of participation in leisure groups or activities, loss of entitlement to leave of absence for a period not exceeding 4 months. In case of more serious crime, the police is given a review, and they are able to investigate the crime as a normal case.
Do they have data comparing levels of contraband within the prison before and after they began regular cell searching?We have yearly collected internal data of the findings like drugs, telephones, etc.
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