Prison Officers Challenge Blame Over TV Discovery in High-Profile Inmate’s Cell

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has responded strongly to Defence Minister Wayne Sturge’s comments regarding a 65-inch television found in the cell of a high-profile inmate at Building 13 of the Maximum Security Prison. Sturge indicated that an officer likely smuggled in the television, which was not delivered via drone. In a pointed Facebook post, the POA criticized the insinuation that junior officers were to blame, while higher-ranking officials and systemic issues were overlooked. They emphasized that junior officers lack the authority to bring contraband into the prison. The post also highlighted the long-standing security measures in Building 13, which is meant for the most dangerous inmates and has been protected by a collaboration of prison, police, and military forces. The POA reiterated that officers have reported being instructed not to search certain high-risk inmates, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the prison system during the ongoing State of Emergency, amid accusations of corruption and privilege.