(Quebec) Quebec wants to fight more effectively against contraband, escape attempts and violence between inmates in its detention establishments.
The Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, was at the Quebec Detention Facility Tuesday morning to announce investments of 35.8 million over five years.
This amount had already been announced in the last budget. It is in addition to the 9.2 million planned in the Five-Year Infrastructure Plan (PQI) 2019-2029.
The money will purchase specialized security equipment, such as drone detection radar systems and body scanning detectors for searching incarcerated people.
It will also make it possible to purchase devices for searching visitors and staff of detention establishments, and to secure more outdoor courtyards, explained Mr. Bonnardel.
In January, correctional officers at the Quebec Detention Facility made a major seizure of drugs and illicit objects.
Illicit substances and objects are often delivered to inmates by drone, Mathieu Lavoie, national president of the Union of Peace Officers in Correctional Services of Quebec, told Radio-Canada.
“With the evolution of technologies and the schemes developed by criminal organizations to continue their activities inside the walls of our prisons, it was imperative to invest in strengthening security measures in the network,” said Mr. Bonnardel in a press release published Tuesday.
“The amounts announced today are necessary to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all Quebecers, as well as to support the essential and demanding work of correctional services staff,” added the minister.