05/02/2007
Prisoner escort service revamped
Over 100 custody officers have started work as part of new arrangements for escorting prisoners to and from courts in Northern Ireland.
The new staff will take over from a private security firm, which until recently held the contract with prison authorities.
The new officers, which will be known as the Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS), will help to strengthen security and cost effectiveness.
By the time the new system is in full operation in September, an additional 62 prison custody officers (PCOs) will be appointed and trained allowing PECCS wardens to return to other duties.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service today said: "This is the first time ever in Northern Ireland that prisoner escorting and court custody services are united under a single management structure, which will bring improved value for money while, at the same time, offering the highest level of protection to the public."
He added that he looks forward to the new PCOs joining the service over the next few months, which will allow prison officers currently involved in escorting duties to return to mainstream prison work.
(EF)
The new staff will take over from a private security firm, which until recently held the contract with prison authorities.
The new officers, which will be known as the Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS), will help to strengthen security and cost effectiveness.
By the time the new system is in full operation in September, an additional 62 prison custody officers (PCOs) will be appointed and trained allowing PECCS wardens to return to other duties.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service today said: "This is the first time ever in Northern Ireland that prisoner escorting and court custody services are united under a single management structure, which will bring improved value for money while, at the same time, offering the highest level of protection to the public."
He added that he looks forward to the new PCOs joining the service over the next few months, which will allow prison officers currently involved in escorting duties to return to mainstream prison work.
(EF)
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There has been further disruption at a Co Antrim high security jail. After violence over the Easter period, two prisoners were taken to hospital following a fire at Maghaberry jail, on Sunday. The NI Prison Service said the fire was after a number of papers were set ablaze in Foyle House, a remand wing.
18 June 2004
Prison Service urged to reconsider transfer plans for women prisoners
The Human Rights Commission today urged the Prison Service to abandon its plans to transfer women prisoners from Mourne House in Maghaberry Prison to Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
Prison Service urged to reconsider transfer plans for women prisoners
The Human Rights Commission today urged the Prison Service to abandon its plans to transfer women prisoners from Mourne House in Maghaberry Prison to Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
15 June 2011
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The practice of locking up prisoners for almost all of the day has been identified as a major factor in a recent spate of custody suicides. The issue has come to light after a teenage prisoner - who was locked in his cell for around 22 hours a day because of short-staffing - committed suicide.
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Republican Protest 'Deal' Queried
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Republican Protest 'Deal' Queried
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
