Inmates at Cessnock Gaol will soon be subject to full body scans in a bid to stop illegal drugs and contraband from entering the prison.
The state government is spending 15-million dollars to install the body scanners at maximum-security correctional centres across NSW.
Legislation currently permits inmates to be scanned before and after each contact visit - the government wants to amend the law to allow visitors to also be scanned.
70 body scanners will be installed in 23 prisons by the end of the year
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the scanners would complement existing measures to detect contraband.
“Our hardworking officers undertake daily searches of inmates, cells and common areas, and we’ve increased searches of mail and perimeter fences,” Mr Severin said.
“An enhanced strategy is also under development to make better use of technology and tighten policies and procedures governing visits, and the provision of photocopies of mail in place of original documents.”
