Prisoners, public rubbing shoulders in court corridors
May 18, 2006
PRISONERS, MOST of whom have been classified as high risk, are rubbing shoulders with members of the public in the corridors of the Supreme Court, downtown Kingston.
The practice has been condemned by some members of the security forces who are calling on the authorities to take immediate steps to remedy the situation.
A police officer has described the situation as a security risk.
Yesterday was not the first time that the complaint was made. Some policemen say that for several years, they have raised the matter at meetings to improve security measures at the courthouse.
There have been incidents in which prisoners have escaped while being escorted from court.
HIGH RISK PRISONERS
"Most of the accused persons who are in custody are classified as high risk prisoners and it is full time that the Government design the courthouse so that prisoners can be taken from the holding area downstairs, through a passage into the courtrooms," a senior police officer said....
Author: Barbara Gayle
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
