CJI to undertake Inspection of Prison Service pre-release testing arrangements
19/12/2018
CJI is to undertake an additional inspection during 2018-19 that examines the pre-release testing arrangements applied by the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS). These include accompanied and unaccompanied temporary release of prisoners.
Initial planning work for the inspection, which is being carried out at the request of the NIPS, commenced this week.
“Pre-release testing is an important part of the rehabilitation and release planning work undertaken by the NIPS and it is important that the arrangements and procedures which are in place are robust and fit for purpose,” said CJI’s Chief Inspector Brendan McGuigan.
“I have prioritised this new inspection because of the need for public confidence in these arrangements to be maintained. The Inspection Team will assess their effectiveness and recommend any improvements which might strengthen the current arrangements in the interests of public safety.”