INDECOM urges authorities to consider removing elderly inmates from prisons in deplorable condition

 

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says consideration should be given to removing inmates, especially the elderly, from correctional facilities that are in a deplorable condition.

 

This follows a report from INDECOM which identified decaying infrastructure at correctional facilities, regular bug infestation, poor sanitary conveniences and, in some locations, very poor sleeping conditions. 

 

INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner says where situations exist at penal institutions that compromise the dignity of inmates or if the state is struggling to keep inmates in lawful conditions, the individuals should be removed. 

 

"Remember, you know, it's not only the correctional acts, not only our correctional regulations, but the correctional institutional rules and the Nelson Mandela standard set by United Nations, the minimum conditions. So if you are unable to keep within those acceptable conditions, I would not oppose any attempt to remove persons from that situation," Mr. Faulkner asserted Friday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106.