Multi-million boost to continue developing drone detection in prisons
An additional €16 million will be allocated each year to prevent inmates from continuing their criminal activities while in prison. State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie announced this funding today. The funds will be used, in part, to prevent drones from delivering contraband to prisons.
A small but dangerous segment of the inmate population is determined to continue their criminal activities in the outside world while incarcerated. They use several methods, including smuggled phones that are sometimes as small as a thumb, to coordinate their activities. The extra funding will be invested in innovative technology to combat phones and other contraband, such as drugs, in the prison system and to keep the drone detection systems of the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) up to date.
State Secretary for Justice and Security, Ingrid Coenradie: ‘It’s unacceptable and dangerous for inmates to continue their shady dealings from behind bars. It undermines the rule of law. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to prevent this and protect society. With this multi-million investment, we can take extra steps. That’s a clear win.’
The funds will also support Intensive Supervision Units (AITs) that house high-risk inmates when there is a risk, for example, that they might continue criminal activities from detention. Additionally, there will be increased efforts to share information internationally about this high-risk inmate population.
A detailed plan of action will be submitted to the House of Representatives in spring 2025. This investment stimulus is part of the €300 million that the government invests annually to strengthen national security.