2012

“We found that the PPS has taken important steps forward in the development of its policies and procedures regarding the giving of reasons to victims on prosecution decisions and found many examples of good practice,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

“There are many challenges to providing high quality courthouses that are accessible and meet the needs of users now and in the future but what is plain is that a pragmatic solution and a realistic way forward must be sought,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

“It is widely accepted that many people who are the victims of, or witnesses to crimes, find the criminal justice process stressful and fear-inducing. Special measures are of vital importance in helping vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence,” said Deputy Chief Inspector, Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan.

Dr Michael Maguire was one of a number of speakers who addressed the PPANI Special Interest Seminar entitled ‘It’s Good to Talk’ – Communication within and between Agencies, which was held in the Ramada Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast.

The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland in a follow-up to a report, published in November 2010 into mistaken prisoner releases, has stated that there has been significant effort by the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) however there is disappointed at the overall pace of change.    

Entitled, ‘Not a Marginal Issue: Mental health and the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland’ the report is a follow-up to an inspection made in March 2010.

 

While some improvements have been made the CJI report shows that many challenges remain.

In November 2011 Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) who have responsibility for inspecting the United Kingdom Border Agency's (UKBA) immigration estate conducted their first inspection of two immigration short-term holding facilities in Northern Ireland. Both facilities are managed by Reliance, a private security firm. Although CJI do not have the remit to inspect UKBA, as immigration issues fall under direct rule, Rachel Lindsay from CJI was invited to participate in the inspection in light of CJI's role as part of the National Prevention Mechanism against torture and ill-treatment in detention in Northern Ireland. The reports of the inspections were published on HMIP's website on 2 April 2012.

The protocol, launched in July 2009, aims to protect vulnerable adults through the promotion of a multiagency approach to investigation, involving health and social care trusts, the PSNI and RQIA.  View press release. View report.
 

A collaborative Ministerial approach should seek to improve delivery of education and skills provision in Northern Ireland’s prisons as it continues to deteriorate.

The NPM is made up of 18 independent bodies and co-ordinated by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. It was established in 2009 by the UK government to meet its UN treaty obligations regarding the treatment of anyone held in any form of custody. The NPM should have the right to regularly inspect all places of detention for the purpose of monitoring the treatment and conditions of detainees, with the clear purpose of preventing ill treatment of anyone deprived of their liberty. This report summarises the activities of those members. View report.

THE Causeway system has now become an integral part of the criminal justice system impacting on its effectiveness and efficiency.

Dr Michael Maguire addressed those attending the CJI Conference 2012 on meeting the needs of victims and witnesses in the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System. View Speech

 

“While considerable effort has been made to redress the problem, progress has been slow and indeed performance has got worse for Crown Court cases and for Magistrates’ Court cases which commence through report and summons,” said the chief inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Dr Michael Maguire.