UNMIK/PR/352
SRSG Bernard Kouchner today announced new measures undertaken at the Mitrovica Detention Center and in the UNMIK Regional Police Headquarters following the escape of 13 detainees on 2 September.
Immediately following the break-out, Dr. Kouchner had ordered an internal investigation into the circumstances of the escape and a complete review of security at the prison. With both processes complete, Kouchner said that "the investigation has been very painful, partly because of what we learned and partly that it could have happened at all."
"At the time of the escape, very serious problems and mismanagement were taking place. The practices and policies were wholly unacceptable compared to any reasonable standard. The inmates were not properly monitored, the security systems were not properly established, the control and management were breaking down…."
UNMIK is taking disciplinary action with the relevant personnel, he said, but "much more importantly, the heavy responsibility rests upon all of us in UNMIK to ensure that such a situation cannot and will not occur again."
UNMIK Police will turn the detention center over to the Kosovo Correctional Service within four weeks, he said. In the meantime, the detention facility will be transformed from the ground up. Security improvements have been made and the perimeter security physically reinforced. UNMIK Police and KFOR have installed a heavy guard in and around the detention center.
Beyond the detention center, the management structure of UNMIK Police in the Mitrovica region has been strengthened by giving an extra senior officer to the Regional Commander, who will now be supported by two deputies--one for operations and one for administration. Both posts will be filled by new officers, as the current Deputy Regional Commander will be removed to a non-command position elsewhere in UNMIK Police.
The new Deputy Regional Commander for administration will be personally responsible for the security of the detention facility pending its handover to the Kosovo Correctional Service.
"As I have said, I feel personally responsible to rectify all factors that failed on 2 September," Dr. Kouchner said. "These changes should ensure that UNMIK Police are better able to maintain strict control over the detention center until we place it in the hands of the professional Kosovo Correctional Service, whose personnel are especially trained to handle high security facilities."