KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is pursuing legislative changes aimed at bolstering the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), and better enable officers to carry out their duties.

State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Rudyard Spencer, said a general review of the Corrections Act is to be undertaken to update and revise outdated aspects.

“We are seeking to make amendments to increase the fines for trafficking in contraband, and to set out a clearer definition for contraband/prohibited items; to support the use of electronic tagging of inmates; and to clarify the role of the Probation Officer in the supervision of children who need monitoring while serving non-custodial sentences,” he informed.

Spencer was making his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday.

He noted that a review of the Parole Act is being undertaken to revise the forms to capture more relevant information and to better assist the Parole Board in making informed decisions.

He said the review is also intended to align the legislation with current best practices, and particularly to enable juvenile offenders to be eligible to apply for parole.

The State minister said further that the Government is exploring the separation of the justice system for adults and children.

“Consultations have commenced and legislative amendments will be examined likewise. This, in our view, will be a game changer in how we deal with juvenile offenders and define our success at rehabilitation of these offenders into productive members of society,” Spencer said.