KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has been investing in the renovation and upgrading of key institutional spaces, as part of its drive to raise the standard of care and rehabilitation provided to offender clients.

This was stated by , while addressing day two of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) 10th Best Practice Symposium for Social and Community Renewal, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, on January 28.

Commissioner Mason said the DCS views rehabilitation as a process that begins from the moment an individual enters a correctional facility, noting that improved infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting learning, skills development and personal growth.

“Our commitment to humane treatment also extends to improving the physical environment in which rehabilitation takes place. We will soon be having a media tour where we will show the public and dispel the narratives out there,” he said.

He added that the facilities are being upgraded to meet professional standards comparable to national training institutions.

“Our facilities are being upgraded to professional standards equivalent to any university and college standards, equivalent to all the HEART/NSTA Trust standards, to deliver our programmes,” Commissioner Mason noted.

He outlined several areas that have benefited from the upgrades, including classrooms, school facilities, tailoring workshops, computer laboratories, inmate radio stations and welding shops.

“These are not cosmetic changes. They are deliberate enhancements that create dignified, structured spaces where meaningful rehabilitation takes place,” the commissioner emphasised.

He pointed out that the improvements will support the launch of an online store featuring items produced by offenders.

“You will see very shortly our online store coming out, and we are moving closer and closer towards self-sufficiency, inmates feeding themselves by and large, and producing and earning,” he said.

Turning to security, the commissioner said the DCS has strengthened gate operations across institutions, describing gate security as a critical control point for safeguarding staff, inmates and the wider public. He noted that all facilities will be equipped with state-of-the-art full-body and bag scanners.

“The gate management team will provide a dedicated, highly trained unit to reinforce our operations, standardise procedures and improve vigilance, particularly during late-night hours,” he explained, adding that strengthened screening and tighter controls will reinforce the first line of defence against prohibited items.

Commissioner Mason further highlighted the importance of ongoing inmate reclassification, describing it as a dynamic process rather than a one-time decision at admission.

“Reclassification supports appropriate work placement and allows offender clients who demonstrate responsibility to participate in structured, productive activities that build skills, work ethic and self-worth,” he said.

He added that the process also enables suitable individuals to transition safely to lower-security institutions, easing pressure on maximum-security facilities and ensuring that high-security resources remain focused on high-risk populations.

Emphasising evidence-based rehabilitation, Commissioner Mason said interventions must be matched to risk levels. “We apply the right intervention at the right intensity to the right person because precision is what produces results,” he continued, noting that literacy levels, mental health needs, learning styles and individual circumstances are all taken into account.

The PIOJ’s Best Practice Symposium for Social and Community Renewal brings together policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders to share evidence-based approaches, aimed at strengthening rehabilitation, reintegration and sustainable community development.

–       JIS