Prison Service must continue to focus on vulnerable prisoners

Dr Michael Maguire has urged the Northern Ireland Prison Service to continue to focus on the needs of vulnerable prisoners in a new report published today by CJI. View Report, View Press Release.

The Chief Inspector indicated there was a continuing gap between the Prison Service’s stated intention and the delivery on the ground of meaningful outcomes for vulnerable prisoners, especially at Maghaberry Prison were the majority of vulnerable prisoners are located.
 

“While the NIPS has taken action to address the negligence identified following the tragic death of Colin Bell, deficiencies still remain in the regime provided for prisioners at risk,” said Dr Maguire.
 

He indicated inspectors were concerned by the lack of out-of-cell time and access to multi-disciplinary care which vulnerable prisoners were experiencing.  An action plan has been prepared by the Northern Ireland Prison Service in response to the report which can be downloaded from the NIPS website.