Prisoners are fobbing off security with mobiles the size of car key
Guards seize 3,300 contraband devices
MORE than 3,000 contraband mobile phones have been smuggled into Irish jails in the past four years as prison authorities struggle to keep up with advancing technology.
But the availability of tiny phones that can be disguised as everyday objects is making it increasingly difficult for prison officers to prevent the flow of such items into the prison system.
Mobile phones that mimic the appearance of car keys can now be purchased online for as little as €40, and are being passed to inmates during prison visits.
It is illegal to be in possession of a phone while in prison, and visitors are required to undergo rigorous security screening before entering any of the State’s 14 places of detention.
Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that a total of 3,303 mobile phones have been seized from prisoners in Irish jails since 2012.
Last year alone, 626 mobile devices were discovered by prison officers in the jail network. More than 40% of these (265) were seized from inmates at Mountjoy Prison – an increase from 223 in the previous year.
A total of 65 phones were seized from prisoners at St Patrick’s Institution, which accommodates young offenders. The facility, which houses 17-year-old males, has an operational capacity of 34.
Just three phones were seized last year at the Dóchas Centre in Dublin, which is a medium-security facility for women prisoners located at Mountjoy Prison. It has an operational capacity of 105.
A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) told the Mail on Sunday that security staff had to remain vigilant in response to the emergence of new technologies. ‘By enhancing our security measures in recent years, we have seen reductions in the levels of contraband, including mobile phones, being seized across the prison estate,’ he said.
‘However, despite these reductions, our security staff remain vigilant and are constantly aware of changes in this area, including the emergence of new technologies. Security equipment is constantly tested and recalibrated to keep pace with these changes.
‘Under our new strategic plan, we have committed to investing in new technologies for screening and detection equipment in order to increase the safety and security of our prisons,’ added the spokesperson.
In recent years, the IPS has introduced a range of measures to prevent mobile phones entering the
Visitors undergo rigorous screening
prison network. These have included security-screening areas in all closed prisons, increased searching of cells, and the installation of nets over exercise yards.
Despite these measures, 70 mobile phones were seized at Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, 35 at Wheatfield Place of Detention, 32 at Loughan House open prison, and 30 at Limerick Prison.
All phones seized from prisoners are handed over to An Garda Síochána, the spokesperson said.