Security and Contraband Control Policy

Purpose. This policy describes how Ridgeway maintains physical, procedural and dynamic security and controls contraband entering, moving within and leaving the centre.

1.Purpose

The security of the centre protects the public, staff, visitors and people in custody. This policy sets the standards every unit must meet for perimeter, gatehouse, key and tool control, searching and contraband handling. It applies to all staff, contractors, visitors and vehicles.

2.Layers of security

Ridgeway relies on three layers that must work together. Physical security is the perimeter, locks, cameras and detection equipment. Procedural security is the counts, musters, searches, key control and movement rules. Dynamic security is the professional relationships and observation that let staff notice change before it becomes an incident.

• Physical: perimeter, sally ports, cameras, detectors
• Procedural: counts, searches, keys, tools, movements
• Dynamic: presence, rapport, observation, intelligence

3.Gatehouse and screening

Every person entering or leaving the secure perimeter must be identified, recorded and screened. Staff and visitors must pass through the walk-through detector and present bags for x-ray. Vehicles must be searched in the sally port before the inner gate is opened. Items on the prohibited list must not enter the centre.

4.Keys, tools and equipment

Keys, radios, tools and restraint equipment will be issued and returned through the tally system. A discrepancy at the end of a shift must be reported immediately and the area locked down until the item is found or the risk is assessed. Tool boards in the industries workshops must be checked and signed at the start and end of each session.

5.Contraband

Contraband is any item a person in custody is not permitted to possess, and any permitted item in an unauthorised quantity or location. All finds must be secured in an evidence bag, recorded in the Contraband and Property Register and reported to the Security and Intelligence Manager. Staff must not handle suspected drugs without gloves and must never return a found item to a prisoner.

• Drugs and drug paraphernalia
• Mobile phones and SIM cards
• Weapons and improvised weapons
• Tattooing equipment
• Unauthorised medication
• Tobacco and lighters

6.Searches

Cell, area and person searches will be conducted in line with the Cell and Area Search Procedure. Random searches will be scheduled monthly by the Security and Intelligence Manager, and targeted searches will follow an intelligence assessment. Searches must respect dignity, be conducted by two officers and be recorded regardless of outcome.

7.Breaches

A breach of this policy by a staff member is a serious disciplinary matter and will be investigated. Staff must report suspected corruption or trafficking through the confidential reporting line to the General Manager. Reprisal against a person who reports in good faith is prohibited.