NEW POLICY ON PRISON SEARCHES FACES DELAY

A new policy which broadens powers to search those entering prisons began
yesterday, but a recent email sent to Public Prison Service senior managers
casts doubt over when they will start.

The email sent by the service's general manager Phil McCarthy asks that the
searches do not begin until Thursday, "and that the first use of the system
is co-ordinated so it doesn't happen everywhere at once". He also requests
that prisons don't conduct searches two days in a row.

Mr McCarthy said the email was sent out after reports some staff may try to
put undue pressure on the new process.

The policy allows for all entrants to prisons -- including staff, managers,
judges, police overseas delegates, service providers and MPs -- to be
searched. In the past only visitors have been subjected to searches.

Mr McCarthy said the searches were designed to stop drugs and other
contraband material from entering prisons.

"There are times when some inmates might pressure visitors or staff to
bring this material to them.

"Having a single search policy means no one group is treated differently,"
he said.