Jails take a fresh look at security

Three days after two constables were assaulted by prisoners for allegedly waking up an inmate, the prison authorities have sat up and are keenly reviewing the security measures prevalent in the jails.

Beginning December, a dossier of every inmate describing his or her past criminal record will be compiled along their personal details. “A behaviour report reviewing every inmate’s conduct will also be prepared every fortnight,” said a senior official from the prison department. 

This report will decide where the prisoner will be lodged and security measures will be decided accordingly. “Prisoners with ill-conduct will be lodged together. This would facilitate greater security for the jail staff as well,” the official added. 

There are seven under trial prisons in Maharashtra and the first phase will begin with Thane, Kalyan, Byculla and then Arthur Road prison. Other prisons in Pune, Ahmednagar and Nagpur will soon follow the suit, officials added.