Ryan Remiorz The Canadian Press Investment will acquire specialized security equipment, such as drone detection systems and devices for searching incarcerated people, visitors and staff, as well as secure more courses exteriors, explained François Bonnardel, seen here in September in Montreal.
Quebec wants to fight more effectively against contraband, escape attempts and violence between inmates in its detention establishments.
For this, the Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, was at the Quebec Detention Facility Tuesday morning to announce investments of $35.8 million over five years.
This amount had already been announced in the last budget. It is in addition to the 9.2 million planned in the 2019-2029 Five-Year Infrastructure Plan (PQI).
The money will make it possible to acquire specialized security equipment, such as radar systems. drone detection and body scanning detectors for searching incarcerated people.
It will also make it possible to purchase devices for searching visitors and staff of detention facilities, and to secure more outdoor courtyards, explained Mr. Bonnardel.
In January, correctional officers from the 'Quebec detention facility had made a significant seizure of drugs and illicit objects.
Illicit substances and objects are often delivered to detainees by drone, Mathieu Lavoie, president, told Radio-Canada national of the Union of Peace Officers in Correctional Services of Quebec.
“With the evolution of technologies and the stratagems developed by criminal organizations to continue their activities within the walls of our prisons, “It was imperative to invest to strengthen security measures in the network,” said Mr. Bonnardel in a statement released Tuesday.
“The sums announced today are necessary to ensure security and peace of mind for all Quebecers, as well as to support the essential and demanding work of correctional services personnel,” added the minister.