Call for action after drone crashes at Risdon Prison

Tasmanian prison authorities have been urged to take drone attacks seriously and develop strategies to combat them.

Tasmanian prison authorities have been urged to take drone attacks seriously and develop strategies to combat them.

Community and Public Sector Union state secretary Tom Lynch made the comments after a drone crash-landed in Risdon Prison on Wednesday night.

Prison sources have told the Mercury that drones were being used to smuggle contraband into the prison.

Mr Lynch said the prospect of an airborne weapon delivery system was a terrifying security breach.

“Everyone jumps to drugs but that’s not the most dangerous thing a drone could deliver to a prison. Mobile phones and guns are the things that really cause a concern,” he said.

“Clearly there’s a security issue. Contraband in the prison is such a negative for so many reasons not just because it’s dangerous for correctional officers, it creates such a bad culture in there.”

It is understood searches of the prison did not unearth the contraband the drone was suspected of delivering.

Opposition Corrections spokeswoman Lara Giddings said technology was making it harder to prevent contraband.

“We know there’s a problem at Risdon and the Government must ensure adequate staffing levels to keep a watch for contraband entering through airspace above the prison,” Ms Giddings said.

Greens Justice spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the drone infiltration was serious and Corrections Minister Vanessa Goodwin needed to investigate the breach.

“Prisoners will always try to smuggle goods, but the minister should be making sure that correctional security arrangements also consider modern technology,” Dr Woodruff said.

Corrective Services acting director Dale Webster said it was the first time a drone had been found in the prison.