Benevento – Two cell phones were seized by prison officers inside the Airola juvenile detention center during an overnight check. An adult inmate was caught using one of the phones.
Upon seeing the officers, according to the union, the inmate attempted to throw the devices out of the window. However, the attempt was unsuccessful: both phones were recovered by officers during the subsequent search.
Caught on the phone, he tries to get rid of his cell phones
The intervention prevented the two devices from remaining in the inmate's possession. This incident once again highlights the presence of cell phones in prisons and the difficulties associated with their enforcement.
The SAPPE, through Sabatino De Rosa, regional vice coordinator for juvenile justice, expressed appreciation for the professionalism demonstrated by the Airola officers.
Sappe: "Technological controls are needed."
However, the union itself has submitted a new request to the Ministry of Justice. SAPPE is urging the installation of state-of-the-art metal detectors and body scanners at the institute, with particular attention to visitor access points.
"We can't continue to think that officers' instincts and professionalism alone prevent cell phones and drugs from entering institutions," De Rosa maintains.
A request also shared by the Secretary General of SAPPE, Donato Capece, who is calling for the Minister of Justice to intervene to strengthen prevention systems.
"Security cannot be left to improvisation."
For the union, each seizure represents, on the one hand, confirmation of the effectiveness of the work carried out by the agents, but on the other, highlights the need to make control systems more effective.
"Every seized phone demonstrates the skill of the officers, but also the existence of a loophole that must be closed," De Rosa and Capece affirm, calling for adequate technology, staffing, and enforcement tools.
The union's stated goal is to strengthen prevention capabilities, enabling prison police to intercept any devices and other prohibited items before they enter the facility.
