00:00The Prison Officers Association says reports surrounding the conditions in which 187 detainees were held should serve as another warning
00:10to government.
00:11The association says correctional facilities must be safe and fit for purpose not only for those in custody, but also
00:20for the officers working inside them.
00:22Chris Guerrero, Public Relations Officer of the association, says, quote, we cannot continue to have conversations about the rights and
00:30welfare of inmates while treating the working conditions of prison officers as an afterthought, end quote.
00:37The association says officers should not be left to deal with the consequences of overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure or policy decisions
00:46over which they have no control.
00:48It says the issue also has implications beyond the prison walls.
00:54Guerrero added, quote, when detainees leave state custody believing they were subjected to unacceptable conditions, many may direct their anger
01:03toward government or the state, end quote.
01:06And according to the association, unfortunately, the prison officer is often the most visible face of that state.
01:13It warns that officers could encounter former detainees again outside of the prison environment, potentially creating an added security concern.
01:23The association is therefore renewing its score for investment in prison infrastructure, staffing, security technology, training and other resources.
01:33It says such investments should not be viewed solely as improving conditions for inmates, but also as protecting the officers
01:42charged with their custody and ultimately the wider public.
01:46Guerrero says, quote, the welfare of inmates and the safety of prison officers are not opposing interests.
01:51They are two sides of the same correctional security equation, end quote.
01:56Urvishita Moury, Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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