The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is confirming that within a week, another Prisons Officer has been arrested and charged after he was caught handing over prohibited articles to a prisoner at the Maximum Security Prison.
According to an initial report, on February 27, 2023, at approximately 11:55 am, Prisons Officer I #4943 Jelani Langevine, who, whilst on duty at the Maximum Security Prison was caught handing over prohibited articles, namely approximately 1003 grams of plant-like material to a prisoner. Officer Langevine, who has just over seven years of service, was cautioned about his actions and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service was contacted. Officers from the Arouca Police Station responded, secured all items of evidence and took Officer Langevine into their custody for further investigation.
On March 02, 2023, following a comprehensive investigation, Officer Langevine was charged for “Possession of Prohibited Articles”, “Giving a Prisoner a Prohibited Article” and “Possession of Marijuana for the Purpose of Trafficking”. He is expected to appear before an Arima Magistrate later today to answer said charges.
Commissioner of Prisons (Ag), Mr. Deopersad Ramoutar has condemned the action of the Officer and by extension all officers who engage in illegal activities. He lamented that their actions compromise the safety and security of the institution and their colleagues, as well as take away from the good work officers are doing.
Commissioner Ramoutar also expressed grave disappointment at how easily officers who are charged are granted miniscule Bail Bond that they can easily attain to continue their nefarious activities. He has however reiterated his commitment to ensure that such persons are apprehended and removed from the environment. He concluded by commending the vigilance and alertness of persons involved in the apprehension of the officer, and has extended his gratitude for the joint efforts of the agencies of the Ministry of National Security network.
The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service continues to actively attack crime and criminality within the prisons.
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