Brussels – Federal Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) has unveiled a series of measures aimed at tackling the rising violence against prison guards and staff.
The announcement came after a meeting with trade unions, following a demonstration outside the Justice Ministry on Friday.
In response to escalating concerns, Verlinden outlined several initiatives designed to enhance security within prisons and improve working conditions for staff.
Among the key measures is the acquisition of advanced equipment for targeted searches to detect mobile phones, which are believed to play a critical role in orchestrating criminal activities from within detention centres. Additionally, specially trained IT dogs will be deployed to further control inmates’ phone usage.
Crackdown on Inmate-Driven Violence
Authorities suspect that inmates are coordinating drug-related violence and attacks against prison staff, posing a severe threat to their safety.
To address this, Verlinden has committed to increasing the number of secure cells designated for the most aggressive prisoners, with a plan to expand their availability annually.
These measures aim to isolate dangerous individuals and mitigate risks associated with internal conflicts and attacks on personnel.
Enhanced Technological Security Measures
In a bid to improve security around prison facilities, the Justice Ministry is set to expand the ‘drone-in-a-box’ project, currently being tested at Antwerp prison.
The initiative involves the use of drones to monitor and protect prison perimeters, preventing unauthorized access and detecting potential breaches.
The program’s expansion to additional prisons is expected to bolster overall security and deter external smuggling attempts.
Furthermore, to ensure the safety of prison staff outside their workplace, Verlinden plans to modify visible personal information on their identification badges.
This measure is intended to limit the traceability of personnel and protect them from potential threats posed by inmates and criminal networks.
Addressing Overcrowding and Working Conditions
During her announcement, Verlinden acknowledged the broader issue of prison overcrowding, which she described as a significant barrier to a humane detention policy.
She emphasized that both staff and detainees are affected by poor conditions, which contribute to frustration and violent incidents within the system.
“The working and living conditions contribute to frustrations and violent incidents,” Verlinden stated, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements.
She assured union representatives that their concerns had been heard and that the government is committed to implementing reforms aimed at ensuring safer working conditions for prison employees.
Union Response and Next Steps
Following Verlinden’s announcement, representatives from the joint trade union front expressed cautious optimism. While they welcomed the proposed measures, they stressed the need for swift implementation and additional long-term solutions.
Pending further discussions within the government, the Justice Ministry aims to rapidly enforce some of the newly announced measures, signaling a decisive step toward addressing security challenges faced by prison staff across Belgium.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
