Seven-point directive for all prisons: round-the-clock CCTV and zero tolerance for unauthorised absence

The Department of Prisons is implementing a seven-point directive to strengthen security and ensure discipline and accountability in prisons across the country. The directives include strict control over activities after lock-up, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, action against unauthorised absence from duty, accountability of supervising officers, retraining of negligent staff, special security measures in adverse weather, and regular oversight through surprise inspections.

The initiative has been taken amid fears that negligence in duty, indiscipline and failure to properly follow existing rules inside prisons could create security risks and disrupt the overall management of correctional facilities, the department said. The prison authorities had been considering several changes for a long time.

Colonel Mesbahul Alam Selim, Additional Inspector General of the Department of Prisons, said: "To ensure effective implementation of the directives, the department has already strengthened its monitoring system. As part of this initiative, every prison in the country is being supervised daily, and all prisons will have to regularly submit feedback to the prison authorities."

"The department's operational branch has been given the responsibility of monitoring how far the directives are being followed. The department has also taken an initiative to recruit additional manpower, including deputy jailers, who will be deployed to monitor prisons across the country," he added.

Colonel Mesbahul Alam Selim said the department has ensured implementation of at least 90 per cent of the directives, and the benefits of these steps are expected to become visible within the next three to four months. Prison staff found guilty of negligence in duty have also been ordered to be transferred between prisons.

Under the guideline, activities after lock-up must be strictly controlled and discouraged, except in emergency cases approved by the competent authority. Any exceptional arrangement requires the jailer's written approval, a fixed time limit and mandatory entry in the relevant register.

Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance has been made mandatory in every prison. Where possible, separate monitoring rooms must be set up and trained, IT-skilled prison guards deployed to maintain constant surveillance. Where there is no designated room, monitors must be installed at suitable places to ensure uninterrupted observation.

A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted for unauthorised absence. Colonel Mesbahul Alam Selim said: "If any guard or other watch staff is found to have left the designated post without permission, it must be reported in writing immediately and departmental action taken in accordance with existing rules."

Supervising officers will also be held accountable for concealing incidents of negligence or unauthorised absence, delaying or avoiding reporting them, or failing to take appropriate action against those responsible, he said.

The guideline also provides for retraining, counselling and motivational measures for watch staff repeatedly reported for negligence. Depending on the situation and in the administrative interest, such staff may be transferred or face departmental proceedings under existing regulations.

Special security measures have been set for adverse weather, including rain and lightning. Guards must remain at their designated posts and maintain maximum vigilance while on duty. The department has directed prison superintendents, jailers and other responsible officers to conduct regular supervision and surprise inspections; they will examine security posts, the CCTV monitoring system, guards' duties and the overall effectiveness of security arrangements, and take steps to remove any deficiency.

The seven-point directive issued in August warned that any untoward incident inside a prison could damage the image of the entire prison administration and create adverse public opinion. To prevent security lapses, maintain institutional discipline and ensure accountability at every level of the prison administration, the department has directed all concerned officials to implement these measures immediately.