The Prison Officers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago has acknowledged the Minister of Homeland Security’s recent proposal to reintroduce convicted inmates into public spaces to assist with maintenance and cleanup initiatives previously undertaken through CEPEP, while raising a series of concerns about how such a programme should be implemented.

In a statement, the Association said meaningful work is an important element of rehabilitation, noting that properly structured work programmes can help inmates develop practical skills, foster discipline and better prepare them for successful reintegration into society. However, the Association stressed that any expansion of inmate work programmes beyond the secure confines of correctional facilities must be approached with caution and guided by established correctional principles.

Only carefully selected inmates who have been medically certified fit, served an appropriate portion of their sentence, and successfully completed comprehensive medical, security and behavioural risk assessments should be considered for such duties, the Association said, emphasising that public safety must remain the foremost priority. The Association also noted that supervising inmate work details in public spaces is a highly specialised correctional function requiring adequately trained prison officers, sufficient staffing, secure transportation, appropriate equipment and clear operational procedures.