Report highlights deficiencies in NI prisons
A report has found that deficiencies remain in the way the prison service in Northern Ireland treats vulnerable prisoners, especially at Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn.
The report was compiled at the request of Northern Ireland Security Minister Paul Goggins.
It says that while some positive changes have been made, the daily regime for vulnerable prisoners has changed little since a previous inspection in January.
The inspection to address prison negligence was ordered after the death of prisoner Colin Bell at Maghaberry prison in August 2008.
It found inconsistent assessment and monitoring of prisoners at risk.
It tracked the progress made by the Northern Ireland Prison Service in implementing recommendations made in January 2009 by the Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in her report into the death in custody of Colin Bell.
Dr Michael Maguire, Northern Ireland Criminal Justice chief inspector, said the NIPS had taken action to reduce the risk of suicide in prison cells.
‘Staff members have been made aware of the issues arising from the death of Colin Bell, safer custody teams have been introduced and staff training has been improved.
‘Yet, despite this positive activity, this report shows there is a continuing gap between the NIPS’s stated intention and the delivery on-the-ground of meaningful outcomes for prisoners, especially at Maghaberry Prison, where the majority of prisoners at risk are located,’ he said.
He said the day-to-day regime for prisoners at risk was also found to have changed little since an inspection of Maghaberry Prison in January 2009.
