British Columbia prison guards are speaking out against the rising levels of violence and illegal contraband being smuggled into correctional facilities through drone drops.
According to a recent report, prison guards have witnessed a significant increase in the use of drones to deliver weapons and drugs to inmates. This trend has raised concerns about the safety of both staff and inmates, as well as the overall security of the prison system.
In an interview with CTV News, a spokesperson for the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO) stated that the use of drones has become a major issue in recent years. They explained that these unmanned aerial vehicles are being used to drop various items, including weapons, drugs, and cell phones, into prison yards.
The UCCO has also reported a rise in violent incidents within correctional facilities, which they believe is directly linked to the increase in contraband being smuggled in through drones. They argue that the presence of weapons and drugs within prisons creates a dangerous and volatile environment for both staff and inmates.
In addition to the safety concerns, the use of drones to deliver contraband also poses a significant challenge for prison security. The small size and maneuverability of these devices make it difficult for correctional officers to detect and intercept them.
The UCCO is calling on the government to take immediate action to address this issue. They are urging for stricter penalties for those caught using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons, as well as increased resources and training for correctional officers to better detect and prevent these incidents.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has stated that they are aware of the issue and are working with correctional facilities to address it. They have also implemented measures such as installing netting and using detection technology to prevent drone drops.
However, the UCCO argues that more needs to be done to effectively combat this problem. They are calling for a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of technological solutions, increased staffing, and stricter penalties for those involved in the illegal use of drones.
In conclusion, the use of drones to smuggle contraband into British Columbia prisons is a growing concern for correctional officers. It not only poses a threat to the safety of staff and inmates but also challenges the security of the prison system. The UCCO is urging for immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety and security of all those within correctional facilities.
