NEW CORRECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATION UNIT OPENS
Published Tuesday, 05 December, 2006 at 02:27 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
The two investigative and intelligence teams responsible for busting drug use and contraband inside Queensland’s prisons have been boosted, with their co-location to one central site.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence today opened the new Woolloongabba office which will be shared by the Intelligence and Investigations Branch.
The new branch brings together the Corrective Services Investigation Unit and the Intelligence Group, in a move designed to enhance their functions.
“This new office brings together two distinct teams who both play different and important roles in stamping out drug use and contraband materials in our prisons, and are often involved in combined operations,” Ms Spence said.
The Investigation Unit is a specialised branch of the Queensland Police Service that is attached to Queensland Corrective Services to manage investigations.
The 23-officer unit also manages the prosecution of criminal matters in correctional facilities, and matters relating to prisoners and offenders who may be unlawfully at large from the correctional system.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Group is tasked with coordinating intelligence staff within Queensland secure correctional centres and the Probation and Parole service.
“Intelligence officers and analysts identify indicators of crime and tip off authorities with early warnings about planned criminal activities,” Ms Spence said.
“For example, they will look for clues about contraband attempts, break-out plans or criminal activities by monitoring prisoner mail, telephone calls and conversations with visitors.
“From January, for the first time in Australia this team will appoint additional intelligence officers who will perform this function in the community, and provide intelligence monitoring of offenders who are on parole and probation.
“It is important that we focus so much attention on this issue, as drug use is the single largest factor impacting on the lives of prisoners, and studies show a strong correlation between drug use, criminal activity and re-offending.
“The supply and use of illicit drugs and contraband within Queensland’s correctional facilities continues to pose a major threat to the safety and security of facilities, and puts at risk the successful reintegration of prisoners back into the community.
“Complex intelligence networks developed and maintained by the branch and correctional centre staff, and major operations involving both corrective services staff and police form part of our on-going commitment to reducing the supply and use of illicit drugs and contraband material in Queensland correctional facilities.”
Ms Spence said the success of the Intelligence and Investigations Branch was highlighted by its recent achievements.
“This year alone, seven tactical operations undertaken by the Investigation Unit - in cooperation with the Intelligence Group, correctional centres and regional police - have resulted in 28 people being charged with 41 offences relating to the supply or possession of illicit drugs and contraband,” Ms Spence said.
“Also, 48 prisoners have been charged with 62 offences relating to drugs and drug implements, and 75 prisoners have been charged with 77 offences relating to contraband material.
“Five mobile telephones have also been recovered from correctional facilities.”
Ms Spence said the teams were now housed in leased premises at the Government-owned Gabba Towers, following a $1 million refurbishment including the installation of security measures such as closed circuit television, motion detectors and alarms.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence today opened the new Woolloongabba office which will be shared by the Intelligence and Investigations Branch.
The new branch brings together the Corrective Services Investigation Unit and the Intelligence Group, in a move designed to enhance their functions.
“This new office brings together two distinct teams who both play different and important roles in stamping out drug use and contraband materials in our prisons, and are often involved in combined operations,” Ms Spence said.
The Investigation Unit is a specialised branch of the Queensland Police Service that is attached to Queensland Corrective Services to manage investigations.
The 23-officer unit also manages the prosecution of criminal matters in correctional facilities, and matters relating to prisoners and offenders who may be unlawfully at large from the correctional system.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence Group is tasked with coordinating intelligence staff within Queensland secure correctional centres and the Probation and Parole service.
“Intelligence officers and analysts identify indicators of crime and tip off authorities with early warnings about planned criminal activities,” Ms Spence said.
“For example, they will look for clues about contraband attempts, break-out plans or criminal activities by monitoring prisoner mail, telephone calls and conversations with visitors.
“From January, for the first time in Australia this team will appoint additional intelligence officers who will perform this function in the community, and provide intelligence monitoring of offenders who are on parole and probation.
“It is important that we focus so much attention on this issue, as drug use is the single largest factor impacting on the lives of prisoners, and studies show a strong correlation between drug use, criminal activity and re-offending.
“The supply and use of illicit drugs and contraband within Queensland’s correctional facilities continues to pose a major threat to the safety and security of facilities, and puts at risk the successful reintegration of prisoners back into the community.
“Complex intelligence networks developed and maintained by the branch and correctional centre staff, and major operations involving both corrective services staff and police form part of our on-going commitment to reducing the supply and use of illicit drugs and contraband material in Queensland correctional facilities.”
Ms Spence said the success of the Intelligence and Investigations Branch was highlighted by its recent achievements.
“This year alone, seven tactical operations undertaken by the Investigation Unit - in cooperation with the Intelligence Group, correctional centres and regional police - have resulted in 28 people being charged with 41 offences relating to the supply or possession of illicit drugs and contraband,” Ms Spence said.
“Also, 48 prisoners have been charged with 62 offences relating to drugs and drug implements, and 75 prisoners have been charged with 77 offences relating to contraband material.
“Five mobile telephones have also been recovered from correctional facilities.”
Ms Spence said the teams were now housed in leased premises at the Government-owned Gabba Towers, following a $1 million refurbishment including the installation of security measures such as closed circuit television, motion detectors and alarms.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172