No Christmas Brew for Queensland Prisoners: Spence
Published Sunday, 23 December, 2007 at 07:30 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Illegal prison brew is off the menu this Christmas, with Queensland Corrective Services conducting sweeps at centres around the state, ahead of Christmas Day.
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence said operations already undertaken this month have uncovered batches of illicit alcohol – known as prison brew – at Maryborough and Borallon Correctional Centres and Lotus Glen Prison Farm.
“We have stepped up security and surveillance in our prisons over Christmas, as it is historically a time of increased attempts by prisoners to make illegal prison brew,” Ms Spence said.
“Prisoners will go to great lengths to make illegal brew, using peelings of fruit and vegetables, peach nectar, and even potatoes.
“Earlier this month, our custodial officers uncovered seven 750ml containers and two 20 litre barrels of fermenting liquid, produced and hidden by prisoners hoping for a Christmas drink.
“The containers were hidden behind appliances in the kitchen and under the laundry sink.
“During the holidays, we also see an increase in visitors to our prisons, with some attempting to smuggle contraband items into offenders.
“Visitors be warned – our custodial officers are on the look out for any illegal activity and anyone who tries to sneak Christmas treats into offenders will be caught and could face a stint in jail themselves.”
Ms Spence said correctional officers and staff from the Queensland Corrective Services Investigations Unit, who work with local police, will be conducting a number of targeted operations on visits days.
“Gatehouse staff will be using our state-of-the-art drug detection devices and x-ray machines, to monitor all visitors to our centres,” Ms Spence said.
“Dog squad units will have their general purpose and drug detection dogs working hard during the holiday season, to detect drugs and other contraband on visitors or inside the prison.”
Ms Spence said church services will be held in the State’s prisons, prior to and on Christmas Day.
“Christmas time can be difficult for families separated by razor wire,” Ms Spence said.
“A number of family days are being held in our centres in the lead up to Christmas, allowing prisoners to retain and rebuild contact with their families, during the holiday season.
“We encourage families to support those prisoners, who are making an effort to break the cycle of crime.”
Christmas Day menu
A typical Christmas Day menu for Queensland’s 5,373 prisoners (male and female) will be:
Breakfast -
Cereal
Bacon, egg, tomato
Toast
Tea
Lunch -
Roast chicken
Roast vegetables
Beans
Plum pudding, fruit
Tea
Dinner -
Cold meat
Salad
Bread, jam, honey
Media contact: 0409 068 140
Corrective Services Minister, Judy Spence said operations already undertaken this month have uncovered batches of illicit alcohol – known as prison brew – at Maryborough and Borallon Correctional Centres and Lotus Glen Prison Farm.
“We have stepped up security and surveillance in our prisons over Christmas, as it is historically a time of increased attempts by prisoners to make illegal prison brew,” Ms Spence said.
“Prisoners will go to great lengths to make illegal brew, using peelings of fruit and vegetables, peach nectar, and even potatoes.
“Earlier this month, our custodial officers uncovered seven 750ml containers and two 20 litre barrels of fermenting liquid, produced and hidden by prisoners hoping for a Christmas drink.
“The containers were hidden behind appliances in the kitchen and under the laundry sink.
“During the holidays, we also see an increase in visitors to our prisons, with some attempting to smuggle contraband items into offenders.
“Visitors be warned – our custodial officers are on the look out for any illegal activity and anyone who tries to sneak Christmas treats into offenders will be caught and could face a stint in jail themselves.”
Ms Spence said correctional officers and staff from the Queensland Corrective Services Investigations Unit, who work with local police, will be conducting a number of targeted operations on visits days.
“Gatehouse staff will be using our state-of-the-art drug detection devices and x-ray machines, to monitor all visitors to our centres,” Ms Spence said.
“Dog squad units will have their general purpose and drug detection dogs working hard during the holiday season, to detect drugs and other contraband on visitors or inside the prison.”
Ms Spence said church services will be held in the State’s prisons, prior to and on Christmas Day.
“Christmas time can be difficult for families separated by razor wire,” Ms Spence said.
“A number of family days are being held in our centres in the lead up to Christmas, allowing prisoners to retain and rebuild contact with their families, during the holiday season.
“We encourage families to support those prisoners, who are making an effort to break the cycle of crime.”
Christmas Day menu
A typical Christmas Day menu for Queensland’s 5,373 prisoners (male and female) will be:
Breakfast -
Cereal
Bacon, egg, tomato
Toast
Tea
Lunch -
Roast chicken
Roast vegetables
Beans
Plum pudding, fruit
Tea
Dinner -
Cold meat
Salad
Bread, jam, honey
Media contact: 0409 068 140