PEOPLE visiting inmates in prison facilities around the country will be thoroughly searched by officers of the Fiji Corrections Service.
This is a measure implemented to curb increased trafficking of contrabands into corrections institutions around the country.
Each inmate will be allowed a maximum of three visitors. This will only be members of the nuclear family during their entire period of incarceration.
The decision was made as the service moves to strengthen operational loopholes highlighted by last week's escape from the Medium Corrections Centre in Naboro.
Spokesperson Ana Tamani said awareness on these issues was being carried out at all 12 institutions around the country before it becomes effective.
"While our investigations into the incident are continuing, we are now taking every effort to tighten up security at all our institutions," Mrs Tamani said.
"This is being carried out with urgency because we want to avoid a repeat of this very serious breach of security."
Other security strategies to be adopted include:
* Two days allocated for visitations to remand inmates in a week;
* Fruits brought in by visitors will be eaten within the visiting area only and are not to be taken into their cells;
* Only fruits will be allowed in by visitors;
* Number of family days to be reduced and only special categories of inmates will be eligible; and
* Special visits allowed in circumstances such as death, business or for lawyers
Investigations into the circumstances that led to the September 17 escape are expected to be completed soon.