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Press Releases

Below is a list of CJI’s most recent press releases which can be viewed by clicking on the title of the release. To view previous press releases, please go to the relevant year or use the search facility.

Further progress needed from Public Prosecution Service on giving reasons for its decisions
17 May 2012
THE Public Prosecution Service (PPS) must make further progress towards more full and open engagement with all victims, insofar as might be possible within the limitations of the law.

Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service challenged by Estate Strategy
01 May 2012
THE Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) must address the issue of an Estate Strategy, as it is unlikely there will be the capital funding available to deliver on proposed changes to the current courts’ estate. 

Witness Charter would help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses
25 April 2012
NORTHERN Ireland needs a Witness Charter, following a report of the use of special measures in the criminal justice system by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

Significant effort by NIPS but disappointment at overall pace of change
03 April 2012
WHILE there has been significant effort by the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) the Criminal Justice Inspection is disappointed at the overall pace of change.
 
This is the conclusion of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland in a follow-up to a report published in November 2010 into mistaken prisoner releases. There has been a further four erroneous releases since the initial report.

Mental health in criminal justice system is not a marginal issue: Progress slow despite some advances
29 March 2012
PROGRESS in the treatment of prisoners with mental health problems has been slow.
 
While some improvements have been made a report published today by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland shows that many challenges remain.
 
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.

Improvements made in infection prevention and hygiene at Roe House
08 March 2012
Improvements have been made in the management of cleaning processes and cleanliness of the environment at Roe House, Maghaberry Prison, but continuous attention is required to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to minimise potential risks of the spread of infection to prisoners and prison staff.

RQIA Publishes Review of Protocol for the Joint Investigation of Alleged or Suspected Cases of Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
22 February 2012
RQIA and CJI have today published a review of the implementation of the protocol for joint investigation of alleged or suspected cases of abuse of vulnerable adults. 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.

Action required to tackle learning deficits in prisons
13 February 2012
A collaborative Ministerial approach should seek to improve delivery of education and skills provision in Northern Ireland’s prisons as it continues to deteriorate.

Causeway has become integral to the workings of the Criminal Justice System
02 February 2012
THE Causeway system has now become an integral part of the criminal justice system impacting on its effectiveness and efficiency.

Improvements made in treatment of vulnerable prisoners
30 January 2012

FUTURE improvements in the treatment of vulnerable prisoners within the criminal justice system are unlikely unless there is a change in the attitudes and behaviours of some members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.


Statutory time limits needed to reduce delay in justice system
24 January 2012
CRIMINAL Justice Inspection in Northern Ireland has repeated its call for the introduction of statutory time limits in order to reduce the levels of avoidable delay throughout the justice system.

Criminal Justice Inspection welcomes publication of Feasibility Study on Community Impact Assessment
12 January 2012
Dr Michael Maguire has welcomed the publication of a feasibility study on Community Impact Assessment.

Further change necessary to address the needs of victims and witnesses
07 December 2011
CHANGING the ethos of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland so that it becomes more service centred in how it engages with victims and witnesses would be a major step forward in reducing continuing levels of dissatisfaction.

Good progress in Enforcement in DOE but more work required
10 November 2011

GOOD progress was evident in increasing the profile and importance of enforcement with the Department of Environment (DOE) and its agencies. That’s the view of Deputy Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Brendan McGuigan in a follow-up inspection published today (Thursday 10 November 2011) for Enforcement in the Department of Environment.


Report commends good work within Juvenile Justice Centre
03 November 2011
A REPORT published today by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) commends the professional practice and continued improvements at the Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre (JJC).

Criminal Justice Inspection welcomes Prison Review Final Report
24 October 2011
CRIMINAL Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today (Monday 24th October 2011) welcomed the Final Report by the Prison Review Team, chaired by Dame Anne Owers, which provides a blueprint for moving towards a ‘safer society’.

Prison Service must focus on results and not just the process of resettlement
17 October 2011
WHILE the process of the resettlement of offenders has improved, the outcomes for prisoners are less obvious – that’s just one of the findings of a new report published today by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland.

Small improvements no substitute for overhaul of women’s prison and young offenders centre
10 October 2011
GREAT efforts have been made by staff and small improvements gained at Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison and Young Offenders Centre, but further progress cannot be achieved within the present regimes operating in both facilities.

'Handling of historical cases has lowered independence of Police Ombudsman's office' says Chief Inspector
05 September 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has today published the findings of its inspection into the independence of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (OPONI) from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Inspectorate publishes report on governance of the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland
01 September 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has recommended the repositioning of the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland within the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service (NICTS) in a report published today (1 September 2011).

Inspectorate publishes latest assessment of community-based restorative justice schemes
04 August 2011
An independent inspection examining the activities of community-based restorative justice schemes operated by Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) has found the majority of work undertaken does not meet the threshold for inclusion under the Government’s Protocol for community-based restorative justice.

Youth Diversion – a thematic inspection of youth diversion in the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland
28 July 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today (Thursday 28 July 2011) published the findings of its latest inspection report on the use of youth diversion by the criminal justice system.

Improvements to the use of Legal Services required within the justice system
28 June 2011

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has called for action to improve how legal services are currently provided in a new report published today (Tuesday 28 June 2011).


CJI publishes Business Plan for 2011-12
24 June 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today published its Business Plan for 2011-12.

Standard of Pre-Sentence Reports praised by Inspectorate
22 June 2011
The high quality of pre-sentence reports prepared by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) has been recognised in the latest report published today (Wednesday 22 June 2011) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

Developments in public protection arrangements "commended" by independent Inspectorate
13 June 2011

The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland Dr Michael Maguire has commended developments in public protection arrangements in Northern Ireland in a new report published today (Monday 13 June 2011).


Inspectorate publishes new report on attendance at court
02 June 2011
The importance of securing the attendance of victims, witnesses and defendants at court to allow criminal cases to proceed without delay has been highlighted in a new report published by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (2 June 2011).

'Positive customer engagement is central to community confidence' says Inspectorate
26 May 2011
The need for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to deliver against its stated intent of delivering personal, professional and protective policing to local communities has been highlighted in a new report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

CJI outlines scope of inspection into independence of the Police Ombudsman's office
12 May 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has published the terms of reference it will use to carry out an inspection of the operational independence of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (OPONI) from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

CJI to review independence of Police Ombudsman's Office
22 April 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) is to conduct a review of the operational independence of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
 
The review is being carried out at the request of the Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson.
 
Dr Michael Maguire, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland has met with the Police Ombudsman to discuss his concerns and work will commence immediately to draft Terms of Reference for the Inspectorate's work.  This information will be made public when it becomes available.
 
"This report will provide an impartial, evidence-based analysis of the relationship between the Police Ombudsman's Office and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I will seek to publish the findings of my report by the end of June," said Dr Michael Maguire.

Chief Inspector welcomes new direction for Prison Service advocated in interim prison review
28 February 2011
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has welcomed the interim report by Dame Anne Owers and her Review Team which sets out a new vision and new deal for the Northern Ireland Prison Service. 

Corporate governance inspection highlights need for Northern Ireland Prison Service transformation
14 December 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today (Tuesday 14 December) published the findings of an in-depth inspection of corporate governance arrangements within the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS).

Inspectorate publishes report on handling of domestic violence and abuse
01 December 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has examined how incidents of domestic violence and abuse are handled by the criminal justice agencies in its latest inspection report published today (Wednesday 1 December).

Inspectorate welcomes action by Police Service to improve road safety
18 November 2010
A new report on Roads Policing in Northern Ireland published today (18 November) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI), has welcomed the progress made in this critical area over the last two years.

CJI provides assurance on Prison Service enquiry into the erroneous release of prisoners
12 November 2010

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has completed its report on the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s (NIPS) enquiry into the erroneous release of two prisoners, Devidas Paliutis and Connelly Cummins which occurred on 29 September and 1 October 2010.


CJI completes work on issues arising from the Donagh sexual abuses cases
09 November 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has completed its inspection into issues arising from sexual offence cases involving the McDermott brothers from Donagh Co. Fermanagh.

‘Tell your story and help make a difference to the experience of others’
19 October 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Victim Support Northern Ireland are encouraging victims and witnesses of crime to share their experience of the criminal justice system in an effort to improve how victims and witnesses are treated in the future.

Inspectorate calls for justice system to re-think prisoner escort and court custody arrangements
13 October 2010
A report into the provision of prisoner escort and court custody arrangements in Northern Ireland has recommended the criminal justice system re-examines how these services are currently delivered.

'Help us improve the service provided to victims and witnesses of crime,’ urges Inspectorate
20 September 2010
Victims and witnesses of crime are being urged to play their part in improving the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland by contributing their views in a new survey by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

Improvements welcomed but still room for further progress at Magilligan Prison
13 September 2010
Inspectors who have examined conditions and outcomes at Magilligan Prison have issued their latest report on the facility.
 
The report, published today (13 September) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), has recognised improvements which have occurred since their last announced inspection.

Change in working practices needed to cut slow pace of justice’ says Chief Inspector
30 June 2010
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland has called for a change in the way justice organisations work to reduce the time it takes for an individual to pass through the justice system and have their case dealt with by a court.

Royal Mail Group and criminal justice agencies urged to continue work to complete inspection recommendations
08 June 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has urged the Royal Mail Group to continue its efforts to secure a streamlined process to allow its investigators to submit case files directly to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.

Belfast Harbour Police praised for effort made to progress inspection recommendations
25 May 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has praised the work undertaken by Belfast Harbour Police to progress previous inspection recommendations in a follow-up review published today (Tuesday 25 May).

Criminal Justice Inspectorate publishes findings of juror management inspection
08 April 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today published the findings of its inspection of the management of jurors by the Northern Ireland Court Service (NICtS).

Youth Conference Service praised for progress on implementing inspection recommendations
01 April 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has praised the Youth Conference Service for the work it has carried out in the last two years to substantially progress the majority of recommendations made by the inspectorate in its original inspection report.

Inspection report calls for further work to be undertaken on police training strategy
30 March 2010
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has been urged to link its policy for training police officers and staff more closely to the priorities identified in the Northern Ireland Policing Board’s Policing Plan.

Inspection report calls for input of consultants to be maximised by criminal justice agencies
23 March 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today (23 March 2010) published a new report examining the use of consultants within the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.

‘Cost of fine enforcement must be tackled without cutting compliance levels’ says Inspectorate
19 March 2010
Inspectors have called for the fine enforcement system in Northern Ireland to be reviewed in an effort to reduce the pressure it places on the police and prison services, while retaining the current high levels of compliance.

Mental Health presenting enormous challenges for criminal justice system
16 March 2010
The treatment and care of people with mental disorders presents enormous challenges to the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland according to a new report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

‘Community Service helping offenders to make a positive contribution to the community’: Report
10 March 2010
An inspection of the Community Service schemes operated by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) has recognised the positive contribution they are making to the community.

Inspectorate finds community restorative justice scheme meeting requirements of Government Protocol
25 February 2010
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has today (25 February 2010) published the findings of a follow-up inspection examining the work of community-based restorative justice schemes operated by Northern Ireland Alternatives (NIA).

Inspectors find Prison Service must continue to focus on prisoners at risk
16 December 2009
An inspection of the treatment of vulnerable prisoners by the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has found that while steps have been taken to address the negligence surrounding the death in custody of Colin Bell in August 2008, deficiencies still remain in the regime provided for prisoners at risk.

Inspectorate publishes findings of evaluation of West Belfast Community Safety Forum
26 November 2009
An independent inspection of the West Belfast Community Safety Forum (WBCSF) has examined the impact the forum has had in increasing community safety in West Belfast.

Inspectors find significant progress in assistance provided to bereaved families by Coroners Service
11 November 2009
The Coroners Service for Northern Ireland (CSNI) has been praised in an inspection report published today for the progress it has made during the last 18 months to improve the service it provides to bereaved families.

Inspectorates’ find Scientific Support Service significantly improved over last four years
30 October 2009
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) have published the findings of their final joint follow-up review of the Scientific Support Service within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Approval given for community-based restorative justice scheme to seek Government accreditation
15 October 2009
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published the findings of its inspection of Community Restorative Justice Ireland’s (CRJI’s) community-based restorative justice scheme in Newry and South Armagh.

Progress on volume crime welcomed but call management still a concern for Inspectorate
30 July 2009
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has praised the progress made by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to take forward recommendations made surrounding volume crime and the use of police bail.

Chief Inspectors declare poor standards at Maghaberry Prison cannot continue
21 July 2009

Inspectors have called for urgent action to be taken to improve standards at Maghaberry Prison as the findings of the latest unannounced inspection of the high security facility were published today (21 July 2009).


Customer focus crucial to future success of FSNI
09 July 2009

Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) has been urged to maintain and continue its efforts to develop a more customer focused way of working, in a new report published today (9 July 2009) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).


Inspectorates assess progress of Public Prosecution Service two years on
30 June 2009
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate have today (30 June) published the findings of their follow-up inspection of the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS).

Police custody facilities performing to an ‘acceptable standard’ says Inspectorate
17 June 2009
A new report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has examined the standards and conditions of police custody arrangements in Northern Ireland.

Effective training central to enhancing public protection
11 June 2009
An inspection of Prison Service Staff Training and Development has shown that training is central to shifting the culture of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) to work more effectively to reduce re-offending and enhance public protection.

Greater effort needed to promote equality across criminal justice system
12 May 2009
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has called on criminal justice organisations to place a greater emphasis on the promotion of equal opportunities among all sections of the community.

Inspectorate publishes review of management of life sentenced prisoners
23 April 2009
A review of the arrangements for preparing life sentenced prisoners for release back into the community has been carried out by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

Real willingness to engage with police exists among communities’ says report
03 April 2009
An inspection by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has looked in detail at the extent policing with the community has become the core business of the PSNI since the Patten Report was published 10 years ago.

Inspectorate publishes 2007-08 Annual Report and Accounts
04 December 2008
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2007-08.

CJI carries out inspection of operation and effectiveness of ASBOs
17 October 2008
A new report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has for the first time examined the operation and effectiveness of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

Agencies must prepare now to become more efficent under devolution
17 September 2008
Northern Ireland’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has urged local criminal justice agencies to give serious thought to how they can become more efficient in advance of the devolution of policing and criminal justice matters.

Royal Mail Investigators operating to a high standard’ says Inspectorate
23 July 2008
An inspection report published today (23 July) on the investigative function of the Royal Mail Group which investigates crime against its four business units has found the Northern Ireland-based investigations team to be an effective and efficient small unit.

Public protection enhanced by hostels contribution
17 July 2008
A new report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland into the management and working practices of hostels that accommodate offenders in Northern Ireland has confirmed the facilities are making a significant contribution towards current public protection arrangements.

Hydebank Wood Young Offender Centre not performing effectively ’: Inspectorates
09 July 2008
Hydebank Wood Young Offender Centre has been criticised in an inspection report published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI).

CRJI given approval to seek Government accreditation for restorative justice schemes
26 June 2008
Community-based restorative justice schemes operated by Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) have made improvements to how they operate, according to an independent inspection report published today (27 June 2008) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland.

Inspectorate finds sound governance arrangements in Youth Justice Agency
24 June 2008
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published an inspection report on the governance arrangements within the Youth Justice Agency of Northern Ireland (YJA).

Enforcement ‘key’ to cutting road deaths and serious injuries says Inspectorates
18 June 2008
Robust targeted enforcement is the key to reducing the unacceptably high number of people killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland’s roads according to a new report on Roads Policing.

Inspectors say: ‘New women’s prison still needed for Northern Ireland’
12 June 2008
A new inspection of Ash House, Northern Ireland’s women’s prison by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI), has stated that until a separate, dedicated women’s facility is established, the needs of female prisoners are unlikely to ever be properly met.

Steady progress by police to improve scientific support services
30 May 2008
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been commended for the work it has undertaken to improve its Scientific Support Services during the last 12 months.

Inspectorate finds juvenile justice centre to be a ‘well-managed’ facility
21 May 2008
Northern Ireland’s only custodial facility for children has been praised in an independent inspection report published today, Wednesday 21 May.

Progress on recommendations will impact on benefit fraud
15 May 2008
The Social Security Agency has been commended by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland for the effort it has put into progressing the majority of the recommendations made following a previous inspection of its Benefit Investigation Service.

Inspectorate finds Belfast Harbour Police working to improve policing standards
07 May 2008
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published its first inspection report on Belfast Harbour Police.

Criminal Justice Inspection unveils 2008-09 Business Plan
08 April 2008
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has unveiled its Business Plan for 2008-09.

‘Progress made but victims and witnesses must remain a priority’ says Inspectorate
10 March 2008
A review of the findings of a report that called for improvements to be made to how victims and witnesses of crime were cared for by the criminal justice system has confirmed that significant steps have been made to improve the services that are available.

YCS delivering an effective and useful service for victims and offenders
21 February 2008

An inspection of the Youth Conference Service (YCS) - part of the Youth Justice Agency - carried out by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has found the organisation to be delivering an effective and useful service for victims of crime and young offenders.


CJI asks local communities what matters?
18 February 2008
What matters to you? That’s the question Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) is asking local communities across Northern Ireland to answer through a new survey launched this week.

CJI conference examines challenges devolution will present for criminal justice system
17 January 2008
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has examined the benefits and challenges the devolution of policing and criminal justice will bring for criminal justice agencies in Northern Ireland at its annual Stakeholder Conference.

Criminal Justice Inspection publishes its 2006-07 Annual Report and Accounts
04 December 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has presented its third Annual Report and Accounts to Parliament following its approval by the Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Office.

‘Tangible progress made by agencies in improving the management of risk posed by sex offenders’ - Inspectorate
27 November 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has published its follow-up assessment of work undertaken by the criminal justice agencies in Northern Ireland to improve arrangements for the management of risk posed by sex offenders.

Further development needed before accreditation under Government Protocol becomes a reality for CRJI
11 October 2007
An inspection by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) of community-based restorative justice (CBRJ) schemes operated in nationalist areas by Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) has found the schemes to be carrying out work which is valued by local communities.

Inspectorate calls on DoE to ‘get tough’ with hard core offenders
11 October 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has called on the Department of the Environment (DoE) and its Executive Agencies to get tough on hard core offenders involved in environmental and vehicle-related crime.

Delivery of second phase of multi-million pound I.T. system ‘achieveable’ in 2008
09 October 2007
A follow-up inspection by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) of an IT system aimed at improving the way local criminal justice agencies share information, has found the delivery of the second phase of the programme should be achieved next summer in line with its revised time table.

CJI praises work of Police Ombudsman Office to achieve inspection recommendations
02 October 2007
The Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been praised by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) for the work it has undertaken since it was initially inspected in 2005.

PSNI committed to improving Scientific Support Service
16 August 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary have published a follow-up review of Scientific Support Services within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Review recognises progress but keeps up pressure on FSNI
16 August 2007
A follow up inspection of Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has found improved management arrangements since it was initially inspected two years ago.

Inspection report recommends way forward for Prosecution Service
08 August 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) have today (8 August) published the first inspection report on the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS).

CJI calls for independent appeals body to examine complaints in the Criminal Justice System
23 July 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has called for consideration to be given to establishing an independent complaints appeal body to deal with complaints from all of the main criminal justice organisations except the PSNI.

Inspection reveals strategy has focused efforts of Agencies involved in Resettlement of Prisoners
28 June 2007
A report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) on the Northern Ireland Resettlement Strategy has shown good work is being undertaken by the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and other agencies.

Compensation Agency committed to implementing outstanding recommenendations
14 June 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has carried out a follow-up review of progress made by the Compensation Agency to implement recommendations contained in its initial inspection report.

Restorative Justice Schemes get go ahead from CJI to seek Protocol Accreditation
03 May 2007
Four community-based restorative justice schemes supervised by Northern Ireland Alternatives have been recommended for accreditation under the Government’s community-based restorative justice protocol.
 

CJI Calls for Fairness and Value for money in Public Purchasing
29 January 2007
A report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) examining how goods and services are acquired by the criminal justice system has called for fairness, equality of opportunity and value for money in public purchasing.

CJI Conference examines justice in a changing community
17 January 2007
Criminal Justice Inspection is examining the changing nature of Northern Ireland’s justice system and the challenges that it faces at its annual stakeholder conference.

Criminal justice agencies committed to addressing hate crime but common approach must be adopted
15 January 2007
An independent report by Criminal Justice Inspection on how hate crime is managed in Northern Ireland has shown criminal justice agencies display a commendable commitment to tackling the issue.

Improvements can be made in the Investigation of Volume Crime and use of Police Bail says CJI
18 December 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has today published reports of two separate inspections of the PSNI looking at how the Police Service deals with volume crime and the use of police bail.

Inspection of Magilligan Prison shows improvements but continuing concerns
13 December 2006
A report of an unannounced follow-up inspection of Magilligan Prison carried out by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has found that poor accommodation and the limited role of residential staff are preventing the prison from performing as well as it could.

Criminal Justice Inspection publishes Its Annual Report for 2005-06
11 December 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published its annual report for 2005-06.

Criminal Justice Inspection reports on Police Ombudsman
06 December 2006
An inspection by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate into the Office of the Police Ombudsman has described it as an efficient, effective and tightly managed organisation. 

Criminal Justice Inspection reports on the Management of Sex Offenders
04 December 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection has published its assessment on the work undertaken to date by criminal justice agencies in Northern Ireland to improve arrangements for the management of sex offenders following the murder of Strabane pensioner Attracta Harron.

Voluntary and Community Sector makes significant contribution to Criminal Justice System
23 November 2006
A report by Criminal Justice Inspection on the input made by the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland to the criminal justice system has shown organisations operating in this area are making a significant contribution.

Report reveals Community Safety Partnerships need a firmer basis
09 November 2006
A report by Criminal Justice Inspection on Community Safety Partnerships has recognised the dedication shown by CSP members and co-ordinators to the concept of community safety.

Review reveals half recommendations on Pathology Service ‘Not Yet Achieved’
26 October 2006
A follow-up review of Criminal Justice Inspection’s report of the State Pathologist’s Department has shown that just half the 30 recommendations included in the original report have so far been achieved.

CJI publishes report on Corporate Goverance in the Probation in the Probation Board
12 October 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today (Thursday 12 October 2006) published the report on its inspection of corporate governance within the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI). 

Independent Inspection will check on Management of Sex Offenders
04 August 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection is to carry out an independent inspection of the action taken by criminal justice agencies to strengthen arrangements for the management of sex offenders following the sentencing of Trevor Hamilton for the murder of Strabane pensioner Attracta Harron.

Independent Inspection can help address concerns on Community Based Resyorative Justice Schemes
25 July 2006
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Kit Chivers, has said that he believes the independent inspection of community based restorative justice schemes can help address concerns regarding their future role.

Initial Delays have knock-on effect in roll out of new Case Management System
24 July 2006
An innovative IT system enabling Northern Ireland’s criminal justice agencies to share information is facing delays of up to 18 months before rolling out its second phase.

Agency needs to target Benefit Fraud more effectively
25 May 2006
An inspection of the Social Security Agency’s benefit fraud investigation unit has shown that it could make better use of available resources, information and intelligence to tackle benefit fraud.

Inspection uncovers long wait for Justice in Northern Ireland
18 May 2006
Excessive delays in the processing of criminal cases have been found in the criminal justice system following an inspection by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland.

Head of Criminal Justice Inspection to meet Craigavon DPP
04 May 2006
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice Kit Chivers is to meet with Members of Craigavon District Policing Partnership today, Thursday 4 May 2006.

Maghaberry Prison: separation at a price
04 May 2006
A joint Inspection of Maghaberry Prison by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice does not question the policy of separation but points out that it has been costly in terms of money and the level of service to prisoners.

Criminal Justice Inspection looks to the future
21 April 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland has unveiled its Corporate Plan for the next three years and its Business Plan for 2006-07.

Target setting and performance Management
25 January 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today published the report of a thematic inspection of target setting and performance management in the six main criminal justice agencies in Northern Ireland – the PSNI, the Public Prosecution Service, the Court Service, the Prison Service, the Probation Board and the Youth Justice Agency. 

Inspection of the Compensation Agency Northern Ireland
03 January 2006
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has today published the report on the inspection of the Compensation Agency in Northern Ireland. 

Criminal Justice Inspecorate reports on Forensic Science Northern Ireland
14 December 2005
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:

Criminal Justice Inspection reports on Scientfic Support Services in the PSNI
14 December 2005
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.

Community Based Restorative Justice Schemes
05 December 2005
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: 

Challenges for Hydebank Wood Young Offenders' Centre
28 October 2005
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. 

Criminal Justice System could do better for Victims and Witnesses
20 July 2005
Kit Chivers, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland today published a report calling for action to improve services for victims and witnesses of crime.    
 

State Pathologist's Department "Improvements in Service essential"
22 June 2005
The quality of post mortem examinations provided by the State Pathologist’s Department in Northern Ireland was found to be of the highest standard.  However concerns surrounding management and procedures of the department have been raised in the latest report published today by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland. 
 

Provision for women prisoners does not meet their needs: Prison Service accepts recommendations
26 May 2005
The relocation of women prisoners to Ash House at Hydebank Wood had not tackled the underlying and fundamental issues in relation to women and girls in prison said HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Kit Chivers, today, publishing their joint report on an inspection of Ash House.   

Inspection of Juvenile Justice Centre at RATHGAEL
05 April 2005
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Kit Chivers, today published his report on an inspection of the Juvenile Justice Centre at Rathgael, Bangor. 

Inspectors report jointly on Magillan Prison
16 March 2005
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers CBE, and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Kit Chivers, today published their report on an inspection of Magilligan prison. 

New Inspection Agency reports on how Northern Ireland manages sex offenders
02 March 2005
The new agency for inspecting the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland today published its first report, ‘The Management of Sex Offenders in Northern Ireland.’  

Chief Inspectors inspect provision for women prisoners at Hydebank Wood
30 November 2004
Anne Owers CBE, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, and Kit Chivers, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, today conducted an unannounced inspection of the treatment and conditions of women prisoners at Hydebank Wood. Kit Chivers will be reporting their findings to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt. Hon. Paul Murphy MP, and the report of the inspection will be published early next year. The report is subject to the rules of Parliamentary privilege, so the Chief Inspectors cannot comment publicly on their findings until their report has been presented to Parliament.



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