Presentation to Portfolio Committee on “Management of Security incidences” 5 June 2007

What is this presentation is about and areas that will be covered… The definition of security and the responsibilities of Correctional Services to the public, Analysis of the security threats, trends and incidences related thereto, Current policies and guidelines for management of security breaches, Post Incident Management and other Measures, Challenges and Way Forward.

What is Security for DCS and areas are covered… On overall DCS security operations seeks to provide a safe and healthy conditions for all persons incarcerated, consistent with human dignity, and thereby enhancing security for personnel and the public Correctional services is part of the government wide security establishment

What is Security for DCS and areas are covered… We view ourselves as a government agency charged with rehabilitation of offenders but with security influences Our primary objective is to provide security to the public, protect our staff, provide protection and safety to inmates and services providers and stakeholders

What are the current security threats and elements thereof… Changing profile of crime in the country points towards decreasing trends, however, –trends that remains high involve sophisticated syndicates –This increases unpredictable ATD population and increases our maximum security inmates –In many instances our staff are not ready and are vulnerable to corruption temptations

What are the current security threats and elements thereof… Our facilities are old and not responsive to new threads Rapid process of staffing present challenges of personnel readiness Delays in technology investments generated slow response to the changing environment Increasing ATD population increases vulnerability in our operations Inadequate systems for information sharing between agencies Overcrowding

What are the critical security indicators for DCS… Escapes Number of maximum security sentenced and awaiting trail Inmates to inmates assaults Inmates to staff assaults Staff to inmates assaults Inmates to service provider assaults Unnatural deaths There are instances of under-reporting

Trends of escape in DCS over the last 10 years…

Where and why are these escapes… In excess of 50% of these escapes take place from within the correctional centres, Almost above 90% of these are ATDs In other instances ATDs escape from hospitals and courts The remaining percentage is medium to low security sentenced inmates from work teams and those transported to hospitals

52% 48% 56% 44% 48% 52% For the year 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 the largest number of escapees were Awaiting Trial Detainees (ATD’s) In 2006/2007 this trend was turned around with 52% escapees being sentenced inmates The turn-around is contributed to the strong emphasis placed on ATD’s in Departmental Escape Prevention Strategies Comparative analysis between various inmate categories…

The trends in other categories of security risks… Note: Statistics for 2006/2007 only available up to 28 Feb 2007

The trends in other categories of security risks… Note: Statistics for 2006/2007 only available up to 28 Feb 2007

The trends in other categories of security risks… Note: Statistics for 2006/2007 only available up to 28 Feb 2007

The trends in other categories of security risks…

What are the contributory factors… Staff retaliation against provocation Gang related activities Change management problems in relation to staff (slow paradigm shift) Inmates interfering with normal operations Inmates violating the security measures Use of undue force violating existing policies Negligence and non-compliance with policies Changing profile of inmate population

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Minimum Security Standards –Personnel measures –Technology measures –Information measures –Physical measures –Operational measures –Management supervision

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Personnel –Increased the staff complement by est. new entry level employees –Provision of security training to EST staff in co-operation with the with SAPS and NIA – vetting of staff and internal capacity –Improving remuneration –Corruption prevention and investigation

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Technology –Installation of CCTV camera in 66 centres –Installation of walk through metal detectors in 66 centres, movement control and scanners –Motion detector fencing at 47 centres –An amount R100 million allocated for rollout of security equipment in the next 3 years

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Technology –Use of two way radios –Biometric fingerprinting systems –Bullet proof vests for female officials –Inmate tracking –Video postponement

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Physical Measures –Improved Security fencing –Boom gates and spikes –Improved access control –Upgrading and renovation of facilities –Extension and building of new facilities

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Operational Measures –Operation Vala –Coordinated movement of inmates between DCS and other security agencies –Improved sharing of information with other security agencies

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Operational Measures –MATD project –Agreements with hospitals –Offender clothing –Special projects in identified centres (Johannesburg, Middledrift, Pollsmoor)

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Information –Sharing of information with other security agencies –Vetting of official –Improved information collection

The current DCS policies addressing the problems… Management –Middle and Junior Management tailor made training –Procurement of senior management training –Inspection and security audits –Post incident review mechanism –Training in conflict management –Timeous debriefing of inmates and staff

What are protocols for handling security incidents… Head of the Correctional Centre must report the incident to the Area Commissioner within one hour of the incident. Area Commissioner reports telephonically to the Regional Commissioner, Regional Head Corrections and Regional Head Communications. Regional Commissioner must inform the National Commissioner within an hour upon receipt of the information.

What are protocols for handling security incidents… Area Commissioner must ensure that a preliminary investigation is conducted within 24 hours. Matter must be reported to the SAPS within 24 hours. A full internal investigation report must be launched and finalised within 21 working days from the date of the incident.

The post incident review mechanism… A system of peer review mechanism has been adopted and is currently piloted in Gauteng region. The Mechanism entails the establishment of a team of senior officials who should make an assessment and report on the following: - Whether all investigation recommendations have been implemented in terms of addressing the identified shortcomings and the taking of corrective actions. - To report to the Regional Commissioner on progress made as well as any outstanding matters.

Other measures… Communication with staff and inmates Compliance Improvement Plan Procurement of new ammunition ORP processes Social Reintegration

What are the Challenges and Way forward… Development and implementation of 5 Year Security Plan Conduct Threat Risk assessment to inform vetting processes Amendment Bill MATD Building capacity for post incident staff support

What are the Challenges and Way forward… Rollout video postponement in 17 Correctional centres covering 40 courts Finalise and implement Anti-Gang Strategy Build capacity for implementation of OHSA Rollout of inmate tracking and identification verification system

Thank you “An age of hope, a national effort for corrections, rehabilitation and social integration”