Police to investigate escapes

COMMISSIONER Stephen Pokanis, pictured, says any more escapes from prisons will be referred to police for criminal investigations.
It will start with the recent walkout by 10 people on remand at the Bomana prison during the Independence Day celebrations.
He said prison officers found guilty of causing the escapes would be prosecuted.
They will also face the Bomana prison disciplinary board.
“We are not taking the escapes lightly. Officers (on duty during the) escapes are on suspension and the Bomana institution acting commander has initiated the investigation.
“The process takes time. We cannot just go ahead and charge an officer. There must be an investigation prior to charging the officers.
“Any future escapes we see are of a very serious nature will be referred to police for their independent investigation. I will start with the Bomana escape,” Pokanis said.
Pokanis also warned prison commanding officers and officers around the country to be attentive to their responsibility.
He said there was no way a prisoner could escape because officers were always supervising them.