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24/10/2008Dutch get tough on drug use in prisons

Dutch Minister of Justice Nebahat Albayrak has announced a clamp down on drug use in prisons, but will tough measures resolve the problem?

It's common knowledge that drug use in prisons is rife, but will tough measures resolve the problem or should the minister look into using a different approach?
By the ministry's own admission, drugs are regularly smuggled into prison despite being strictly forbidden. Current measures include x-ray baggage controls and searches by hand. Normally detainees cannot be frisked without reason, but strip searches do take place on renowned offenders.
 
Sniffer dogs
Nebahat Albayrak
The minister wants to introduce sniffer dogs in cells and other rooms and they may even be used to check prison staff. To prevent contraband entering the prisons, visitors' rooms will be adapted from 1 January with tables in snake formation, completely closed off underneath and with a low partition above. Courses for prison officers will also pay more attention to the problem of drugs in prison in the future.
In addition prisoners will undergo more frequent urine tests. If caught, they face stiff disciplinary proceedings. The minister says this is not all, anyone found using drugs may find themselves being prosecuted under the Opium Act. Photo above right: Dutch Minister of Justice Nebahat Albayrak 
 
Drug-free prisons
The argument for drug-free prisons is compelling. In prisons where drugs have been eradicated the atmosphere has improved, use of medication has decreased and sickness leave among prison officers has been reduced. And apparently it can be done, starting with small-scale units on a voluntary basis. Trials in the Belgian cities of Ghent and Dendemonde have proved successful. But the success of programmes like this depends on the cooperation of prisoners themselves.


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