Prison security - Humpherson talking twaddle

John Campbell, Chair of the Prison Officers branch of the Public Service Association, today accused Opposition Prisons Spokesperson, Andrew Humpherson, of twisting the facts in a lame attempt to score political points.

Humpherson claims searches for mobile phones are lax. "This is not true," said John Campbell.

"There is a search policy and it is rigidly adhered to," he said. "That search policy includes full body searches by senior officers when concealment is suspected".

"This policy and practice exists not just to prevent prisoners from carrying out illegal business, but also for the safety and security of prison staff and prisoners."

"The union and management are continually looking for new ways for improving safety and security of all persons in prisons - prison officers, non-uniformed corrective service staff, and prisoners. For example, hand-held mobile phone detectors are currently being introduced into prisons".

"The fact is that prison officers have found 200 mobiles in the last two years - we have not missed them, we have found them."

"Mr Humpherson has made his allegations about prison officers by twisting the evidence given to a Parliamentary Committee by Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham. "

"Mr Humpherson does not have any first-hand knowledge of the search practices nor of any wrong doing," said John Campbell.

"Prison officers will not take kindly to Humpherson's misrepresentation and aspersions."