Deferred cases seen as reason for prisoners escaping custody

THE backlog of cases for prisoners on remand and the delay in the granting of parole are causing jail breakouts, according to the Correctional Services Employees Association.
Acting association president Daniel Mollen said new CS Minister Roy Biyama had some major challenges to deal with.
“Many prisoners are eligible for such release but have been refused by authorities and are still serving time in prisons causing unnecessary burden on the State,” he said.
“It can make huge savings if these releases are administered lawfully and in a timely manner.”
Biyama said the shortage of manpower was due to the freeze on recruitment of officers by the government resulting in an aging workforce.
“The officers of the CS have outstanding concerns. These include pension, which is yet to be addressed through the amendment to the Correctional Service Act.”