The theme of the Handbook is prison security—the means by which escapes and other crimes are prevented. Its main focus is on the contribution made by dynamic security and highlights one particular element of dynamic security—prison intelligence —which provides important intelligence for use within the prison to prevent escapes and maintain order and control.
Prison intelligence can also be used more widely by criminal justice, law enforcement and security bodies and agencies to prevent prisoners from within the prison directing criminal activity taking place outside the prison. For example, conducting organized crime-related activities, terrorist or gang activity, drug trafficking, intimidating or corrupting witnesses, judiciary, lawyers or jurors.
Chapter 1 – Prison security: framework and functions
Physical security; Procedural security; Assessment and categorization; Accounting and control; Searching; Communications and surveillance; Prison security framework; Managing security at prison level; Security audits; Covert testing; Concentric circles of protection
Chapter 2 – Dynamic security
Essential elements of dynamic security; Professional and constructive relationships with prisoner; Interpersonal skills; Staff selection and training; Embedding dynamic security in operational policy; Unit management and direct supervision; Gathering information;
Prevention of staff corruption and manipulation; Constructive activities for prisoners
Chapter 3 – Prison intelligence: definitions, governance and organization
Importance of prison intelligence, Definitions, Intelligence policy and organization
Putting in place effective safeguards; A multi-agency approach; Prison-based police intelligence officers; Covert surveillance; Use of prisoner informants.
Chapter 4 – Prison intelligence: cycle, process and components
Tasking (also known as directing); Collection, Evaluation, Collation, Analysis, Dissemination, Re-evaluation
Annexes
1. Security information report: template and guidance for completion
2. Intelligence brief: template and guidance for completion, policy. Supervision, manipulation. prisoners.
UNODC
UNODC (2015). Handbook on Dynamic Security and Prison Intelligence Criminal Justice Handbook Series. United Nations, Viena. Handbook on Dynamic Security and Prison Intelligence (unodc.org)
