October - December

A report* published today by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate into Forensic Science Northern Ireland supports the continued existence of a local forensic science laboratory.  The Chief Inspector, Kit Chivers, acknowledges the recent performance improvement in the Agency.  He says:

A joint inspection by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate Northern Ireland and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary confirmed the increasing value of forensic science expertise in the investigation of crime in Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the publication for consultation of the Government’s proposed guidelines for community based restorative justice schemes, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice Kit Chivers said: 

Progress at Hydebank Wood YOC had been held back by poor industrial relations and the move of women prisoners from Maghaberry, according to a report published today by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.