The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has issued a strong critique of the management of the current State of Emergency (SoE), highlighting significant issues including poor planning and inadequate communication. According to POA President Gerard Gordon, prison officers are facing unexpected responsibilities for managing remanded inmates, a duty typically handled by police and the Defence Force.
Gordon pointed out the lack of operational procedures meant to ensure the safety of officers, stating, “No arrangements were made for our officers. There are no clear operational procedures to ensure their safety or to guide them in these circumstances.” This lack of support has resulted in officers working long hours under pressure without access to basic facilities.
The situation has been aggravated by public comments from the Commissioner of Police, who has accused prison officers of corruption, further demoralizing the workforce. The POA condemned these remarks as disrespectful and detrimental to the officers who are committed to public safety.
Additionally, the association criticized the lack of planning regarding essential operations such as visitation and court appearances. They expressed that the chaos stems from the exclusion of the Prison Administration from key discussions.
The POA warned that unless immediate corrective measures are implemented, the repercussions of this poorly managed emergency response will soon be seen. They urged all involved parties to engage in constructive dialogue to enhance communication and collaboration for national security during this challenging time.
