The Goan: What does the alleged use of mobile phones, WhatsApp and UPI by inmates reveal about Colvale Jail’s security gaps?
Bosco George: The alleged use of these platforms indicates that technology is being exploited to bypass traditional prison security measures. The prison administration needs to explore effective ways to monitor and regulate digital communication and financial transactions.
TG: Why has the prison administration failed to stop mobile phones from entering the jail despite repeated seizures?
BG: In my opinion, it is either incompetence or connivance, or a combination of both. The system of human interaction inside the jail is archaic. There should be minimum interaction between prison staff, inmates and visiting relatives.
TG: Do repeated seizures of drugs and contraband point to staff lapses and weak internal security?
BG: As I said earlier, it is either incompetence or connivance. There is also the issue of low staff morale, with many frustrated. The focus should also be on human resources. Training of Colvale Jail staff is rudimentary. Their morale is low because of irregular promotions, lack of camaraderie in the hierarchy, inadequate grievance-redressal mechanisms and poor supervision. These problems have affected discipline and, in some cases, resulted in an ‘each for himself’ approach.
TG: Does alleged staff involvement in smuggling point to corruption?
BG: I agree it has to be corruption and weak accountability as well as low priority to the jail administration in its modernisation.
TG: Is physical frisking enough, or does Colvale Jail need stronger technology-based security?
BG: There is nothing particularly modern about Colvale Jail. It is a relatively new structure, but there have been issues with the PWD's construction quality. There is considerable scope for improvement and modernisation.
TG: What immediate measures are needed to plug the weak links in Colvale Jail’s security?
BG: There should be an immediate ban on staff carrying mobile phones inside the jail premises. Communication should be restricted to wireless systems. Installation of mobile jammers would also be ideal. Meetings between inmates and relatives should be conducted through glass enclosures. Visiting appointments should be moved online. There should also be a complete ban on relatives carrying items for inmates. Instead, a properly regulated prison canteen could be introduced, with bills paid by relatives.
‘Incompetence or connivance’ behind jail breaches: George
Retired IPS officer Bosco George, who served as Inspector General of Prisons, has called for tighter security and administrative reforms at Colvale Jail, citing possible staff connivance, weak accountability, low morale and outdated systems
