UNMIK/PR/355
PRISTINA— New measures to tighten security at the Mitrovica Detention Centre are being put in place, following the escape of 13 detainees earlier this month.
Extra guards are in place inside and outside the centre, there’s increased surveillance within the prison, with checks every quarter of an hour, and daily inspections of the cells. The 32 detainees at present in the jail are now wearing uniforms – orange jump suits – and are subject to searches after they have had a visit. Telephone calls are now only an option if a prisoner is not receiving visitors.
These changes are being bolstered with physical adaptations, including extra bars and security gates.
“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,” said Dr Kouchner.
There has been an internal investigation into how the escape happened. That report is now with UNMIK police’s Deputy Commissioner.
There is a new management structure at the detention centre and within UNMIK police in the Mitrovica region, with a clear chain of command and accountability. The regional commander now has two deputies: one is for operations and one for administration. Both of the jobs are being filled by new officers.
The new Deputy Regional Commander for administration will be personally responsibly for the security of the detention facility until it is handed over to the Kosovo Correctional Service. That will happen in the coming weeks.
The plan to move prisoners to other detention facilities around Kosovo is still being examined.