CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, INL REVIEW PAST AREAS OF COLLABORATION AND IMPACT

BY PILI CHIMERAH

State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has underscored the critical role of partnerships in capacity development.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), where they deliberated on the impact the organization has made to make a difference in corrections, the PS said continued collaborations have proved vital in ongoing reforms targeting correctional services.

Such areas of collaboration include Exchange programs to Morocco and the United States of America for officers and regular Mental Health awareness training among other support programs.

“We can see how the capacity building for the officers has brought about positive changes which are visible on the ground. The exchange programs for instance have helped the officers to be more focused,” she said.

She said the initiatives have helped revamp stations, upgrade correctional institutions, improve facilities and scale up rehabilitation programs.

INL Director Maureen Mimnaugh said the organization remains committed to impacting positive change saying it values the many years of collaboration that have ensured the advancement of correctional institutions.

During the meeting, the PS highlighted the commitments of the State Department this year, which include and not limited to Legal and Policy Framework review, the development of a mental health and policy curriculum, digitalization and the establishment of a counter-terrorism center noting that the support of such programs by partners remain invaluable.

Photo by Patrick Ambani