In order to strengthen the security of correctional facilities, Jamaica's Ministry of National Security recently carried out a major technological upgrade to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Center, also known as Kingston Prison. The prison currently houses dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel, who has gained widespread attention for illegally recorded music, and the upgrade is aimed at eliminating illegal use of electronic devices and ensuring the security of communications inside and outside the prison.
New cell phone jammers have been installed at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Center, with the aim of blocking all incoming and outgoing calls from within the maximum security prison. The move comes after former Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hannah called for a ban on radio stations playing Vybz Kartel's music, which was illegally recorded in prison. As the call sparked anger and death threats from the DJ's fans, the Ministry of National Security decided to take stricter measures to eliminate the practice.
Minister of State for National Security, Pernelle Charles Jr., said the new Technical Task Force is rapidly implementing a comprehensive technology strategy aimed at identifying and promoting more modern technologies to be gradually rolled out across all correctional institutions. "By optimizing and maintaining our physical security assets, we are advancing the process of identifying and selecting the best and most modern cell phone jammers and other technological solutions to deploy across the correctional system," said Charles.
This upgrade is not only a response to an urgent need, but also reflects the lack of maintenance and utilization in recent years. Charles stressed that this is the first in a series of interventions by the Technical Task Force, and further evaluation and improvement will be carried out across the correctional institutions in the future.
In order to comprehensively improve the security level of correctional facilities, the task force plans to audit all institutions in the second phase of the electronic monitoring program. Suppliers have begun evaluating the CCTV surveillance systems in prisons, and will install X-ray scanners, metal detectors and new entrance management protocols at Tower Street, St. Catherine Adult Correctional Center and Horizon Adult Detention Center. The implementation of these measures will significantly improve the security of the prisons, prevent the use of illegal devices, and ensure stricter and more effective management within the prisons. The upgrade of mobile phone jammers is a key step. It not only helps to eliminate illegal communications and recordings, but also prevents potential security threats, providing solid technical support for the security of the correctional system.
Overall, this move by the Jamaican Ministry of National Security reflects how to improve the safety and efficiency of prison management through innovative means under modern technological conditions. Through the reasonable and legal use of mobile phone jammers and other high-tech means, the Ministry of National Security can better control the prison environment, ensure the safety of prisoners and staff, and further promote the modernization of the correctional system.
