Menu
12/01/2010
Prisioner Rules To Change
Changes to a set of rules for inmates will help modernise the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Prisons' Minister Paul Goggins has claimed.
The rules, which follow 12 weeks of public consultation, introduce compulsory testing for drugs and alcohol and an extension of the Prison Ombudsman powers.
The Minister said the changes would assist with the management of offenders across all establishments and give greater flexibility to prison staff when dealing with certain groups of prisoners, particularly those at most risk.
He said: "These changes are designed to support the Service to meet increased expectations and future challenges.
"One of the key changes enables better treatment of prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm.
"It takes account of the report by the Prisoner Ombudsman on the death of Colin Bell and of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate report on treatment of vulnerable prisoners.
"The new rule distinguishes caring for at-risk offenders and the need for discipline within a prison. It will facilitate progressive approaches for the management of vulnerable prisoners," he continued.
"The extension of the powers of the Prisoner Ombudsman to the investigation of complaints by visitors is a further significant development.
"The introduction of new rules for compulsory drug and alcohol testing will directly address the dangers of substance abuse among inmates.
"They will allow Governors to take prompt action where visitors or prisoners are caught trafficking drugs or other contraband."
Last month, Maghaberry Prison Governor Steve Rodford, left his position after dissident republican threats to his life.
The news came only months after Mr Rodford's predecessor left after a controversy brought on by the suicide of an inmate and an alleged lack of supervision.
See: Maghaberry Boss Resignation Shock
(BMcC/GK)
The rules, which follow 12 weeks of public consultation, introduce compulsory testing for drugs and alcohol and an extension of the Prison Ombudsman powers.
The Minister said the changes would assist with the management of offenders across all establishments and give greater flexibility to prison staff when dealing with certain groups of prisoners, particularly those at most risk.
He said: "These changes are designed to support the Service to meet increased expectations and future challenges.
"One of the key changes enables better treatment of prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm.
"It takes account of the report by the Prisoner Ombudsman on the death of Colin Bell and of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate report on treatment of vulnerable prisoners.
"The new rule distinguishes caring for at-risk offenders and the need for discipline within a prison. It will facilitate progressive approaches for the management of vulnerable prisoners," he continued.
"The extension of the powers of the Prisoner Ombudsman to the investigation of complaints by visitors is a further significant development.
"The introduction of new rules for compulsory drug and alcohol testing will directly address the dangers of substance abuse among inmates.
"They will allow Governors to take prompt action where visitors or prisoners are caught trafficking drugs or other contraband."
Last month, Maghaberry Prison Governor Steve Rodford, left his position after dissident republican threats to his life.
The news came only months after Mr Rodford's predecessor left after a controversy brought on by the suicide of an inmate and an alleged lack of supervision.
See: Maghaberry Boss Resignation Shock
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
23 February 2009
Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA's Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at the Stormont Assembly today calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison.
Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA's Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at the Stormont Assembly today calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
