Inspection finds Maghaberry Prison safer and more stable in 2018
27/11/2018
The Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice has welcomed the significant progress made at Maghaberry Prison three years after it was heavily criticised in a previous inspection.
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“Inspectors were immensely encouraged by the level of progress that had been made when this inspection of Maghaberry Prison was conducted in April 2018. We pay tribute to the work undertaken to date by staff and the senior management team at the prison and the leadership provided within the Prison Service for what they have achieved,” said Brendan McGuigan.
We pay tribute to the work undertaken to date by staff and the senior management team at the prison and the leadership provided within the Prison Service for what they have achieved,” said Brendan McGuigan.
The latest inspection report found that the Prison had settled considerably and that outcomes against the four ‘Healthy Prison’ Tests of safety, respect, purposeful activity and rehabilitation and release planning had improved compared to 2015.
The time prisoners were spending out of their cells undertaking education, training and other activities during the core day had increased for the majority of prisoners and the levels of violence and disorder at the prison had reduced and were lower than would be usually seen in similar prisons in England and Wales.
“The overall picture of safety at Maghaberry has improved, with some good work to support vulnerable prisoners being undertaken. However this is an area where Inspectors would wish to see further progress.
“We recognise this is a challenge for the staff as prison does not provide a therapeutic environment for those requiring mental health care and support but we would support the adoption of a more caring approach which seeks to understand the reason behind an individual’s vulnerability,” he said.
Mr McGuigan said Inspectors had found staff - prisoner relationships had also changed for the better.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the progress that has been made at Maghaberry and encourage all involved with the prison to maintain this focus on improvement so that Maghaberry continues to move forward,” he concluded.
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