(Retracted article) A STUDY OF OBSTACLES AND MEASURES TO INCREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONDUCTING INMATE SEARCH ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IN THAI PRISONS

Abstract

           This article aims to study problems and obstacles of inmate search system in Thai prison and to present the measures for increasing the effectiveness of conducting inmate search beyond the International Standards. This research is the qualitative study by utilizing the documentary research following with in - dept. interview of executives, director of custody division and prison officers in total 25 samples from six prisons because these samples are policy and measures makers, also some of them are directly responsible for inmate search system in Thai Prisons. The key purpose of this study is to collect the sample’s opinions, concepts and suggestions regarding problems and obstacles of inmate search system including the propositioning measures for increasing the effectiveness of conducting inmate search beyond the International Standards. The results of study revealed that there was a problem in relation to administrative and management of inmate search system in Thai Prisons. These include the deficient budget for inmate search system and short staffed.  Also, not only there was short staffed, but also the officers lacked skills and knowledge of inmate custody and search. The results were also shown that there were problems with administrative policy and the physical building of the prison, which was improper, and the inadequacy of equipment and materials. Finally, there was a problem of insufficient secret information seeking inside prison. Based on the results, the measures for increasing the effectiveness of conducting inmate search beyond the International Standards should be applied as follows: 1) the policy of 5 steps of correctional changed should be implemented as a guideline for prison management 2) the International Standard for inmate search system should be practically applied in prisons and 3) Setting the custodial plans and inmate search system according to the International Standards for inmate search system in which Department of Corrections should set the standard for custodial plans and inmate search system for all prisons and correctional institutions in Thailand.