Police and prison service battle prison crime

Buckley Hall Prison

Rochdale police and HM Prison Services have joined forces to tackle prison smuggling.

The two groups and the North West Area Search Team of HM Prison Service are working on an operation that sees both vehicles and occupants being searched by police and prison officers, with the support of drug dogs, when they enter Buckley Hall prison.

Visitors coming to the prison will be passed through a knife arch metal detector to prevent mobile phones, weapons and SIM cards being smuggled into the prison.

The operation also includes an increase of perimeter patrols to prevent items being thrown over prison walls.

Inspector Lin Houldershaw of Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are very keen to work alongside the prison authorities. Just because someone is in prison does not mean that their ability to offend stops.

“This proactive approach to reduce the availability of mobile phones and drugs in prison not only increases the chances of someone living a drug free lifestyle but also helps in reducing their chances of re-offending and limits their abilities to organise crime while in prison.

“We have already seen significant seizures of steroids, phones, sim cards and vehicles and it’s been a successful pilot for Rochdale that we hope to see continue.”

Ian Adams, manager of the North West Area Search Team (NWAST) said: “This operation allows for the 99.9% of people who visit Buckley Hall to enjoy a safe visit without the interruption or threat of individuals passing illegal substances or items banned under the Offender Management Act 2007.

“The NWAST are a highly trained team of prison officers who specialise in dog handling duties. With the use of pro-active and passive drug dogs we will be able to identify if there is the slightest hint of drugs on a person or in the area.

“We welcome the support of Greater Manchester Police and we hope that by working together can have a significant impact on crime in this area of Rochdale.”

The Governor of Buckley Hall said: “Drugs in prisons in the North West and in particular the more rural ones cause us particular problems with issues around addiction, violence and debt.

“These in turn impact on prisoners’ families and their lives in the community.

“This is the first time a joint operation has been carried out here on prison property between the police and prison staff and the aim is to show drug dealers that we have a zero tolerance policy in Rochdale. We want to be able to create a safer environment both here and for the local community.”