Why jails should allow syringes
However, the evidence shows that opposing prison syringe exchange programmes only perpetuates the type of dangerous work environment he wants to end.
Syringe exchange programmes are currently operating in over 50 prisons in six countries (men’s and women’s prisons of all sizes and security levels).
In 2002/’03, I travelled to prisons in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Moldova to have a look at prison syringe exchange programmes in operation and met with prison officials prison officials and prisoners.
Mr Jordan might be surprised to discover that in no case in any of these six countries has there ever been an instance of a programme syringe being used as a weapon against either prison staff or prisoners (and some of these prisons have offered needle exchange for ten years, exchanging thousands of syringes during that time).
Because syringes from the programmes are not considered contraband, prisoners do not need to hide or conceal them, and must instead store them in plastic safety containers.
This has almost completely eliminated accidental needle stick injuries to prison officers during routine searches - a much more common workplace hazard for prison staff than attacks by syringe-wielding prisoners.
Not only do syringe exchange programmes create a safer work environment for staff by significantly reducing needle stick injuries, they have also been proven to reduce HIV and hepatitis C transmission, reduce overdoses and improve the overall health of prisoners, all of which increase the healthiness of the workplace and working conditions for staff.
In Germany - where a new centre-right government has begun cancelling these programs in some prisons - it is the prison staff themselves who are the most vocal supporters of maintaining needle exchange because of the positive impact it has had on their workplace safety.
We all aspire to increasing the health and safety of both prison officers and prisoners.
The evidence is clear that implementing a well-managed prison syringe exchange programme contributes immensely to this goal.
I would encourage prison officers in Ireland to look objectively at the success of prison syringe exchange programmes internationally, as they will find that the implementation of these initiatives is to their own benefit as workers, as well as to that of public health.
Rick Lines
Executive Director
Irish Penal Reform Trust
Swanbrook House
Bloomfield Avenue
Dublin 4
