Rochdale man brings about changes to prison visitor search policy

Mohammed Yousaf

A Rochdale businessman and litigation officer has worked to change a policy at Buckley Hall Prison in regards to being searched.

Mohammed Yousaf had heard complaints throughout the Muslim community regarding visitors to the prison being searched by dogs. He said: “If a Muslim is searched by a dog, they can feel awkward and will often want to have a shower and change their clothes because the animal is unclean.”

He has now contacted the prison directly and worked with them to change the policy regarding searches undertaken by dogs.

After hearing a number of complaints, Mr Yousaf went to visit a client of his at the prison and after having no problems at the first search point; saw that at the second search point, he would need to be searched by a dog.

“I asked if there was any other way that I could be searched and the guard told me that if I didn’t want to be searched by the dog, then I could turn around and go to the door,” said Mr Yousaf.

After being told the manager of the prison would only tell him the same thing, Mr Yousaf was searched by the dog.

After his visit to the prison, Mr Yousaf contacted the Acting Governor about his concerns. He said: “I feel that if people have to be searched by a dog then there should be somewhere else that they can go or that there should be an alternative for them.”

Since being in contact with the prison, Mr Yousaf has now received a letter stating that a change to the policy will be made.

In a letter to Mr Yousaf, seen by Rochdale Online, the Governor, Ms Walsh, states: “As an establishment, we will now provide a cover gown for Muslim visitors to wear during the search process when the dog is present. Our Imam assures me that this will suffice in maintaining cleanliness prior to prayer.”

In response to the letter, Mr Yousaf said: “I think this is some good news. I have heard that other prisons now want to take up the change as well so that is great.”

A prison service spokesperson confirmed the change and added: “All visitors to HMP Buckley Hall will continue to be searched thoroughly and subject to robust security checks. While some visitors may request a gown when being checked by sniffer dogs, this has no impact on the dogs’ effectiveness.”