Drugs in Prison

Kimia

Did anyone hear 98fm last night? They were talking about the prison officer who was arrested yesterday for smuggling drugs into Mountjoy and about the fact that drugs are so prevalent in prison these days, along with the rest (tvs, xboxes, etc).

They kept asking if you would have sympathy for prisoners, and should they be allowed have their (apparently free?) drugs so that they can 'escape' the horrors of prison. What a load of shíte I say. Firstly, it doesn't sound that bad, from the sounds of things. And secondly, why should they be entitled to oblivion? Last I checked if you broke the law prison was the punishment.

What does everyone else think?

Kiera

They pay a lot more in prison for drugs than on the street. Plus that officer that was caught will probably get "spoken" to by the people who arranged it, his own fault tbh.

Biggins

I think drugs search dogs should permanently be used at ALL entry check points of the prisons to begin with!
...And where the hell is this phone blocking technology being used? They are still using their hidden phones inside to make their deals, organise intimidation and other crimes!

senordingdong

Biggins wrote: »

I think drugs search dogs should permanently be used at ALL entry check points of the prisons to begin with!

All entry points to the ****ing country.

Kimia

The reports about the prisons are also so contradictory. On the one hand, in that recent Prime Time program on Limerick scumbags, you saw these young guys saying that they don't mind prison at all, it's grand, not a bother, and another story a while back about mobile phones and tv's in their cells, and then you hear stories about Mountjoy that are just horrific. Which is correct?

senordingdong

Which horrific stories about Montjoy?

Dravokivich

Biggins wrote: »

I think drugs search dogs should permanently be used at ALL entry check points of the prisons to begin with!
...And where the hell is this phone blocking technology being used? They are still using their hidden phones inside to make their deals, organise intimidation and other crimes!

In fairness there should be regular shake downs and very little personal affects in cells.

Biggins

Dravokivich wrote: »

In fairness there should be regular shake downs and very little personal affects in cells.

No argument there. They are called prisons and should be prisons - not unofficial semi-holiday camps!

El Guapo!

I happen to know for a fact that Prison officers turn a blind eye to the drugs in Mountjoy. Its easier that way. If the prisoners are kept relatively happy then they will be less likely to lash out at the officers and if they did crack down and remove all the drugs from the prison there would be an out and out riot inside.

AntiMatter

Dean09 wrote: »

I happen to know for a fact that Prison officers turn a blind eye to the drugs in Mountjoy. Its easier that way. If the prisoners are kept relatively happy then they will be less likely to lash out at the officers and if they did crack down and remove all the drugs from the prison there would be an out and out riot inside.

It kinda highlights the failure of the Drug War in general, when they can't, or won't, even prevent illegal drug use in prisons, supposedly the most secure places in the country.

Dravokivich

Dean09 wrote: »

I happen to know for a fact that Prison officers turn a blind eye to the drugs in Mountjoy. Its easier that way. If the prisoners are kept relatively happy then they will be less likely to lash out at the officers and if they did crack down and remove all the drugs from the prison there would be an out and out riot inside.

Can't just leave them locked in the cells no?

Kiera

Dravokivich wrote: »

Can't just leave them locked in the cells no?

Was just thinking the same thing. Fúck them if they cant get drugs and fúck them if they try to start riots about it. Lock them up in their cells and dont let them out!

RoryMurphyJnr

+1

Bottle_of_Smoke

I happen to know for a fact that Prison officers turn a blind eye to the drugs in Mountjoy. Its easier that way. If the prisoners are kept relatively happy then they will be less likely to lash out at the officers and if they did crack down and remove all the drugs from the prison there would be an out and out riot inside.

Some officers do no doubt but the management certainly don't. The recent riots were over a new fence put in to stop drugs being smuggled in. Prison officer got slashed in the face too.

CorkMan

senordingdong wrote: »

Which horrific stories about Montjoy?

From the book "The Joy", stories of fellas being hung upside down and used for punch bags, fellas who'd cut you from eat to ear for a cent.

It is called prison for a reason!

Biggins

Kiera wrote: »

Was just thinking the same thing. Fúck them if they cant get drugs and fúck them if they try to start riots about it. Lock them up in their cells and dont let them out!

You did a crime - prison.
If you misbehave there - 24 hour Lock-up till you learn your lesson!
Stuff ya! Your there by your own actions!

You reap what ya sow!

---

Prisons are not feared any more by criminals, they are just seen as an inconvenience, a possible training ground and source of possible future organised crime contacts for when back out!

Swampy

An xbox without xbox live is just cruel.

curlzy

Holiday camps? Even though Mountjoy was recently brought up for cruel and unusual punishment and inhumane conditions? With it's unsanitary conditions and over crowding? Yeah they're prisoners but they're still human I hate this sort of rabble rabble that AH generates.

Linky:http://www.inspectorofprisons.gov.ie/en/IOP/Mountjoy%20Report%202009.pdf/Files/Mountjoy%20Report%202009.pdf

Jagle

AntiMatter wrote: »

It kinda highlights the failure of the Drug War in general, when they can't, or won't, even prevent illegal drug use in prisons, supposedly the most secure places in the country.

i agree, if you cant keep drugs out of a building designed and protected by law enforcement officers what hope have you anywhere else

Biggins

curlzy wrote: »

Holiday camps? Even though Mountjoy was recently brought up for cruel and unusual punishment and inhumane conditions? With it's unsanitary conditions and over crowding? Yeah their prisoners but they're still human

Linky:http://www.inspectorofprisons.gov.ie/en/IOP/Mountjoy%20Report%202009.pdf/Files/Mountjoy%20Report%202009.pdf

Sorry, no sympathy whatsoever.
Their own actions put themselves there!

Kimia

curlzy wrote: »

Holiday camps? Even though Mountjoy was recently brought up for cruel and unusual punishment and inhumane conditions? With it's unsanitary conditions and over crowding? Yeah they're prisoners but they're still human I hate this sort of rabble rabble that AH generates.

Linky:http://www.inspectorofprisons.gov.ie/en/IOP/Mountjoy%20Report%202009.pdf/Files/Mountjoy%20Report%202009.pdf

You know, they did know what prison was like before they broke the law. It's not a secret. It's their own fault. If they don't want to be in prison, don't break the law.

curlzy

Biggins wrote: »

Sorry, no sympathy whatsoever.
Their own actions put themselves there!

Hmmm wouldn't expect that of you Biggins to be honest. Would have thought you'd be an advocate of respect for all people, not prisoners though?

The Muppet

Biggins wrote: »

Sorry, no sympathy whatsoever.
Their own actions put themselves there!

True, **** them if they can't afford their tv licence , lock them up and throw away the key.

Biggins

curlzy wrote: »

Hmmm wouldn't expect that of you Biggins to be honest. Would have thought you'd be an advocate of respect for all people, not prisoners though?

I give respect to those that equally are respectful back.
Career criminals however are asking for nothing but a constant licence to do as they will in their disgusting actions, be pandered too and have the state (YOU!) fork out to have them live off the rest of us.

Some of us are quick enough to give out about those lazing about on the dole (fair enough - a whole subject in itself) but habitual criminals are doing exactly the same - only when they get out, they get the dole (or equivalent) and still carry on as before!
...And I am supposed to have sympathy for them? Fcuk no!

El Guapo!

Fair enough they're locked up so there shouldn't be any luxuries but they should be allowed a basic standard of hygiene- which they are not.
With regards to having people on 24hr lockdown, it doesnt always work. People still find ways around everything. The old saying goes- everybody has their price. There'll always be help available through some of the prison officers.
Also you'd have the Human Rights, tree hugging, we love everybody, groups sticking their noses in if everyone was in a cell all day everyday.

the_syco

Biggins wrote: »

...And where the hell is this phone blocking technology being used? They are still using their hidden phones inside to make their deals, organise intimidation and other crimes!

I think some legailty issue is stopping them?

Biggins

the_syco wrote: »

I think some legailty issue is stopping them?

That was claimed was the problem originally but since then I read somewhere (thing it was the Indo') that legislation was brought in to overcome that hurdle.
Nothing has happened since then however.

Friday September 12 2008

The Prison Service has confirmed that a blocking system on prisoners' phones will be operational in the Midlands Prison next month and in Portlaoise in four months time.

Tighter screening of prison visitors will also be introduced to prevent drugs being brought in for inmates.
However Fine Gael has criticised the delay in implementing the tighter security measures.
Fine Gael's Justice Spokesperson Charlie Flanagan has said 2 thousand mobile phones were confiscated last year and 40,000 prisoners tested positive for drugs over the past three years.
He further claimed that successive Justice Ministers have allowed a prison regime to exist where security was well down the agenda.

http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/clampdown-on-prisoners-phones-1474645.html

Monty Burnz

Kiera wrote: »

They pay a lot more in prison for drugs than on the street. Plus that officer that was caught will probably get "spoken" to by the people who arranged it, his own fault tbh.

The whole thing is totally retarded. They pay a fortune for drugs in prison - when they get out, do they return to highly paid jobs to pay off these drug debts? No! They have to go on a crime spree to pay them!

So by allowing drugs into prisons, we are storing up a multitude of future crimes against ordinary citizens. They should take every step, up to and including visiting through glass windows, to stop the drugs getting in. If the criminals have a chance to clean up in jail, there's at least a chance they'll stay off when they come out and not have to commit further crimes to pay of their prison drug debts.

AntiMatter

Biggins wrote: »

That was claimed was the problem originally but since then I read somewhere (thing it was the Indo') that legislation was brought in to overcome that hurdle.
Nothing has happened since then however.



http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/clampdown-on-prisoners-phones-1474645.html

I couldn't imagine the logistics of blocking mobile signals to an entire prison, without interfering with homes nearby, are all that simple.

Biggins

AntiMatter wrote: »

I couldn't imagine the logistics of blocking mobile signals to an entire prison, without interfering with homes nearby, are all that simple.

It works on a directional system and within a set measured distance.

AntiMatter

Biggins wrote: »

It works on a directional system and within a set measured distance.

And through thick prison walls? It's not just as simple as it sounds.

I presume there are masts near Mountjoy to contend with also.

Kimia

Regardless of the masts and directional pulses stopping the phones working - why in the name of god do they have phones to begin with?? They should not have them in prison and they should all be confiscated. Seriously what is the point of prison if its literally nothing to these people but a roof over their head?

AntiMatter

Kimia wrote: »

Regardless of the masts and directional pulses stopping the phones working - why in the name of god do they have phones to begin with?? They should not have them in prison and they should all be confiscated. Seriously what is the point of prison if its literally nothing to these people but a roof over their head?

You'll pay circa 500 euros for a mobile phone in Mountjoy. Nice business if you can get it.

The criminals seem to have moved on from GSM technology, in any rate...

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfauidgbmhkf/rss2/

rorymcgrory

Kiera wrote: »

Was just thinking the same thing. Fúck them if they cant get drugs and fúck them if they try to start riots about it. Lock them up in their cells and dont let them out!

Thats not fair. Would you like being stuck in a cell All day?. Cut them A little slack afterall it is christmas. Scroogie

Happy christmas to one and all.

Biggins

AntiMatter wrote: »

And through thick prison walls? It's not just as simple as it sounds.
I presume there are masts near Mountjoy to contend with also.

...And they are finding ways around some of those prison that have that tech anyway...

...quick-thinking criminals are using bluetooth headsets in a bid to get around the sophisticated technology. Mobile phones are left outside prison windows and once paired with a bluetooth device in near proximity can be used by inmates to talk to colleagues and family on the outside.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sniffer-dogs-to-screen-prison-officers-in-drug-smuggling-crackdown-1682422.html

CRIME gangs are gaining greater control in the prisons, according to frontline staff dealing with the thugs....

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/criminals-running-empires-from-their-jail-cells-1725723.html

As for those that say the withdrawal of some "luxuries" would cause trouble...
well with their "luxuries" as it stands at present, the prisoners are very thankful and show their appreciation!

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/jail-chiefs-probe-750-assaults-by-inmates-1924414.html

Sir Gallagher

If prisons are like holiday camps why aren't we all trying our best to get in?

Biggins

Sir Gallagher wrote: »

If prisons are like holiday camps why aren't we all trying our best to get in?

..Because we are stupid enough to be hard working citizens who are paying taxes, levies, VAT and whatever the hell the gov' call call the next extra charge!

Try being decent and doing the right thing in this country and the piss is taken of you!

El Guapo!

Biggins wrote: »

As for those that say the withdrawal of some "luxuries" would cause trouble...
well with their "luxuries" as it stands at present, the prisoners are very thankful and show their appreciation!

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/jail-chiefs-probe-750-assaults-by-inmates-1924414.html

Yeah and thats with everything they already have. Imagine the chaos if they came down hard on them and removed the luxuries? I know I wouldnt want to be there when that happens

Biggins

Dean09 wrote: »

...I know I wouldn't want to be there when that happens

Well if your doing the decent thing and obeying the laws of the land, you won't be there.
And as for those that do further rioting/assaults upon staff, I would have the SEVEREST of penalties possible for such actions!

I'm all for human rights but when someone denies you your own ...well they bring about their own outcome thereafter!

Sir Gallagher

Biggins wrote: »

Well if your doing the decent thing and obeying the laws of the land, you won't be there.
And as for those that do further rioting/assaults upon staff, I would have the SEVEREST of penalties possible for such actions!

I'm all for human rights but when someone denies you your own ...well they bring about their own outcome thereafter!

Where does rehabilitation come into all of this?

the_syco

Sir Gallagher wrote: »

If prisons are like holiday camps why aren't we all trying our best to get in?

Because knowing my luck, the day before I'd get in, all luxuries would be removed

Dravokivich

Sir Gallagher wrote: »

Where does rehabilitation come into all of this?

to me... the idea would be to make it undesirable.

Biggins

Sir Gallagher wrote: »

Where does rehabilitation come into all of this?

It comes into application/use when a prisoner kops themselves on, behaves and THEN is allowed make use of such available opportunities/services.

You misbehave, you lose your lessons.
You misbehave, you get punished!

AntiMatter

Dravokivich wrote: »

to me... the idea would be to make it undesirable.

It is undesirable, to the informants who are free to commit crime, as long as they hand the guards enough people to maintain the facade of the current system. (more in relation to drugs and petty crime)

heybaby

Prisons are supposed to be the most secure facilities in the country, but drugs and other contraband are readily available, how is this possible? Its possible because the people who hold the keys allow it to be soWithout a shadow of doubt, this policy comes from the top down, starting with the minister for justice, police, prison governer, and finally prison officers. Make absolutely no mistake. A drugged up prison population is a docile population.

If the minister for justice decided to remove drugs from the prison system, immediately you would have a revolt by prison staff because they would be dealing with a livid prison population, this would put pressure on the authorities to move prisoners after the inevitable riots would leave the prison uninhabitable. This wont happen because there arent enough prison spaces elsewhere.

DERICKOO

when we have people that we look up to for guidance in the media, it begs to wonder where there will be be a profound disreguard by our law inforcement officers to uphold the law both in and out of prison. :mad:

baalthor

Kimia wrote: »

Regardless of the masts and directional pulses stopping the phones working - why in the name of god do they have phones to begin with?? They should not have them in prison and they should all be confiscated. Seriously what is the point of prison if its literally nothing to these people but a roof over their head?

They hide them ... behind posters of Rita Hayworth. Prison guards never look there

baalthor

Biggins wrote: »

It comes into application/use when a prisoner kops themselves on, behaves and THEN is allowed make use of such available opportunities/services.

You misbehave, you lose your lessons.
You misbehave, you get punished!

According to former Mountjoy governor Loneragan, the presence of drugs in prisons has made the traditional trustee system (like you have described) unworkable.

Prisoners who behave, follow the rules, keep out of trouble and who don't have a previous record will be targeted by the drug gangs to do "favours" for them. Or their friends and families will be asked to "do something" and if they co-operate their relative will be "looked after" inside. If they don't they will still be looked after just in a different way ...

In his opinion, drugs (or drug dealing) have made prison a much more violent place.

Biggins

baalthor wrote: »

According to former Mountjoy governor Loneragan, the presence of drugs in prisons has made the traditional trustee system (like you have described) unworkable.

Huh?
I never mentioned anything about a trustee system.

baalthor wrote: »

Prisoners who behave, follow the rules, keep out of trouble and who don't have a previous record will be targeted by the drug gangs to do "favours" for them. Or their friends and families will be asked to "do something" and if they co-operate their relative will be "looked after" inside. If they don't they will still be looked after just in a different way ...

In his opinion, drugs (or drug dealing) have made prison a much more violent place.

...Which is why to be honest, gives reason to why drugs SHOULD be kept out of prisons as much as possible.

Maybe a mid-solution could be built?

Build a prison that has some good features like TV, games rooms, etc - and shove all the prisoners in there that have NO drugs.
Get caught with drugs and/or found to be dealing in them and/or helping to bring them in - your moved back to the lower quality/facility prisons.
Never to be let near the better one again for a lengthy periods of time - or forever depending on the severity of your inner-prison activities!

Food for thought? Just throwing it out there...

Dravokivich

Pif, the only luxury a prisoner should have is a colour by numbers pastel and black paint...

:mad:

bc dub

98fm listeners should be imprisoned.