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Drugs in Prison

  • 21-12-2010 9:52am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,897 ✭✭✭


    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?


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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,130 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,673 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,897 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,673 ✭✭✭✭senordingdong


    Which horrific stories about Montjoy?


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  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭Biggins


    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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭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.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭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?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,130 ✭✭✭✭Kiera


    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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,078 ✭✭✭RoryMurphyJnr


    +1


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭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.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,003 ✭✭✭CorkMan


    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!


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,104 ✭✭✭Swampy


    An xbox without xbox live is just cruel.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,708 ✭✭✭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


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 870 ✭✭✭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


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,897 ✭✭✭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.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,708 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,006 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,315 ✭✭✭✭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?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,455 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭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.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,897 ✭✭✭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?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭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/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 267 ✭✭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.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,836 ✭✭✭Sir Gallagher


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


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭Biggins


    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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭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


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,836 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,315 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    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 :(


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  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    Where does rehabilitation come into all of this?

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


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭Biggins


    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!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 447 ✭✭AntiMatter


    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)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,125 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭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:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭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 :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭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.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭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? :confused:
    I never mentioned anything about a trustee system. :confused:
    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...


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


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

    :mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 476 ✭✭bc dub


    98fm listeners should be imprisoned.


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