Israel gives prison guards extensive powers outside prisons

The Israeli Knesset approved legislation on Monday which gives prison guards extensive powers outside prisons, including powers of arrest, detention and search and seizure.

The law was introduced by MK Zvika Fogel (Otzma Yehudit), and stipulates expanding the powers of prison guards in areas surrounding prisons or prison service facilities. It was supported by 17 MKs, with only two MKs voting against.

The approval of the law coincided with the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, lasting six weeks and including the release of about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The law allows Israeli prison guards to use the following powers while carrying out their duties:

• Issuing reasonable instructions to anyone who obstructs the prison guard from carrying out his duties.
• Requesting identification from individuals.
• Conducting a search of individuals or vehicles, using reasonable force if they refuse.
• Confiscating items to maintain the security of the prison and its inmates.

The new legislation also stipulates that the prison guards must identify themselves when using these powers. The new powers are also in effect when accompanying prisoners outside prisons, during the pursuit of escaped prisoners, and during operations to protect Israel Prison Service personnel.

Members of the Central Intervention and Escort Unit of the prison service and the special unit for handling prisoners while protecting the prison service personnel have been given the same powers, said the Knesset in a media statement.

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