Yatala Labour Prison hi-tech security gatehouse in operation Yatala Labour Prison. IRIS scanners, heartbeat sensors and drug and explosive detectors are among security devices installed in Yatala Labour Prison's new gatehouse in operation today. Vehicles going through the secure entrance now drive over an under-vehicle camera while an IONSCAN drug detector system makes it harder to smuggle drugs, according to officials. About 500 people who visit the site on official business, including Correctional Services and SAPOL staff, have enrolled on the identity verification system, as have more than 400 contractors and several hundred regular visitors to inmates. However, the system has triggered controversy, with several lawyers refusing to comply and being refused entry citing fears the biometric information could be stolen by hackers. Under the system, visitors are photographed, then have their iris scanned. If the scan fails, the visitor is fingerprinted. The photo and scan are put on a database that identifies the person for subsequent visits. Correctional Services chief executive David Brown has defended the system as ensuring the person who enters the system is the same person who leaves it. Correctional Services Minister Michael O'Brien said the new gatehouse is part of a rollout of security upgrades at facilities across the state. Stringent access control is fundamental to the safe and secure operation of our prisons, and this includes the use of biometric verification, such as retina or fingerprint scanning," Mr O'Brien said. First introduced at the Adelaide Remand Centre last year, biometric verification assists in the positive identification of those entering and exiting our prisons. In combination with enhanced contraband detection capability, such as walk-through metal detectors and baggage x-ray units, it represents best practice in prison safety and security. The new gatehouse is part of an ongoing $43.2 million Northfield Precinct. This includes a new 20-bed, high-security accommodation facility plus a new kitchen at the Adelaide Women's Prison due to open by the end of the year. A health centre and High Dependency Unit for Yatala are due for completion in mid-2015.