By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Prison Officials averted a planned attempt to escape from the Eastern Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre, Santa Rosa.
The prison officers received a tip and as a result, decided to conduct a search of a certain part of the Centre.
Around 10.45 am on Tuesday, officers conducted a search exercise within the Hope Division of the facility. During the exercise, six improvised weapons were discovered concealed at the top of a cell and subsequently confiscated.
From what the prison officers found out, these weapons were made and stored for future use. It seems that when the time was right, and when there was little traffic by prison officials, an attempt would have been made to make a dash for freedom. According to reports, if prison officers stood in the way, they were likely to be injured or killed.
According to prison officials, “these improvised weapons posed a serious threat within the correctional environment, with the potential to endanger the safety and security of both inmates and prison personnel. Their detection and removal remain critical to maintaining order, reducing the risk of violence and preserving a safe and secure environment within correctional facilities.
“The vigilance, thoroughness and attention to detail of the officers on duty led to the successful discovery and removal of the prohibited items. The find further highlights the importance of consistent search exercises and continued alertness in maintaining the safety and security of correctional institutions.”
As a result of the discovery, an investigation has been launched and certain inmates are being questioned. With the assistance of the police, it would seem that persons kept under a Preventive Detention Order (PDO) are being monitored as part of this grand plan.
The Centre is a correctional and detention facility located in Santa Rosa Heights, Arima. It functions as part of the national prison network and has also been utilized for specialized holding, quarantine, and state-of-emergency detainee processing.
