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23/07/2002
Prisons' mark success in drugs finds
Prison authorities have made 346 drugs finds in Northern Ireland prisons over the past year, it has been revealed.
The Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Peter Russell, who took over from Robin Halward in May this year, said that there were "many successes" in combating drug abuse in prisons. However, the Prison Service did fail to meet some government targets on security and safety.
Commenting on the publication of the Prison Services annual report for 2001/2002, Mr Russell said: “The Service’s work in tackling drug misuse in prisons and establishing regimes designed to encourage prisoners to address their offending behaviour and reduce the risk of re-offending are particularly noteworthy.
"Drug detection dogs, now operating at each establishment, have also had a major impact on the amount of drugs finding their way into prisons," he added.
Mr Russell said that the service would strive to reduce re-offending behaviour whilst also providing the public with value for money.
“Society expects us to make a difference. We must continue to work with others towards reducing the risk of re-offending and help prisoners maximise their potential on release," he said.
“We must also continue to reduce costs while providing the taxpayer with value for money."
Security Minister Jane Kennedy welcomed the report, describing the Prison Service's record against the government targets as "creditable".
"These figures reflect a creditable performance by the service, achieved against a backdrop of reducing costs," she said.
The Prison Service achieved nine of the 11 Key Performance Targets and 22 of the development objectives with significant progress on the remaining six, the Minister said.
(GMcG)
The Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Peter Russell, who took over from Robin Halward in May this year, said that there were "many successes" in combating drug abuse in prisons. However, the Prison Service did fail to meet some government targets on security and safety.
Commenting on the publication of the Prison Services annual report for 2001/2002, Mr Russell said: “The Service’s work in tackling drug misuse in prisons and establishing regimes designed to encourage prisoners to address their offending behaviour and reduce the risk of re-offending are particularly noteworthy.
"Drug detection dogs, now operating at each establishment, have also had a major impact on the amount of drugs finding their way into prisons," he added.
Mr Russell said that the service would strive to reduce re-offending behaviour whilst also providing the public with value for money.
“Society expects us to make a difference. We must continue to work with others towards reducing the risk of re-offending and help prisoners maximise their potential on release," he said.
“We must also continue to reduce costs while providing the taxpayer with value for money."
Security Minister Jane Kennedy welcomed the report, describing the Prison Service's record against the government targets as "creditable".
"These figures reflect a creditable performance by the service, achieved against a backdrop of reducing costs," she said.
The Prison Service achieved nine of the 11 Key Performance Targets and 22 of the development objectives with significant progress on the remaining six, the Minister said.
(GMcG)
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05 November 2021
Justice Minister Attends NIPS Memorial Service
Justice Minister Naomi Long has attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty. Minister Long said: "The annual Memorial Service is an important occasion for everyone associated with the Prison Service.
Justice Minister Attends NIPS Memorial Service
Justice Minister Naomi Long has attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty. Minister Long said: "The annual Memorial Service is an important occasion for everyone associated with the Prison Service.
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.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
