The Federal Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (Flemish Christian democrat) is considering deploying private security guards in overcrowded prisons in an effort to address the issue of severe staff shortages. The news appears in Tuesday morning’s edition of the daily ‘Het Nieuwsblad’.
Justice Minister considering deploying private security guards in the country’s prisons
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Ms Verlinden told the Justice Select Committee that if deployed, the private security guards will carry out duties that do not involve contact with inmates. The socialist trade union ACOD and the Christian trade union ACV say that this would include manning the reception and observational tasks such as monitoring images from security cameras.
The unions oppose the plan that they believe would not only be illegal under current law but also would result in unsafe situations arising. The unions also point to the high staff turnover at private security companies.
The imminent opening of a new prison in Antwerp is a further cause for concern, as additional staff will be needed. Ms Verlinden is considering the requirements imposed on those applying for certain jobs in the Prison Service. This included lowering the level of academic attainment demanded and removing the need for candidates to be Belgian nationals.
Ms Verlinden’s office says the measures being explored should help to ensure that the government’s ambition of creating additional prison capacity during the current legislature will be realised.