The record population means prison pressures will continue for some time to come
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The pressure on Maghaberry Prison will continue for some time as the number of inmates reaches record levels. This was the message from Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General Ronnie Armor following the publication of the findings of an unannounced inspection of Maghaberry Prison in September/October last year by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate and HM Inspector of Prisons.
Acknowledging the report’s findings, Ronnie Armor said: “While the inspectors’ findings are certainly disappointing, they are not surprising. For some time we have highlighted the impact of the pandemic on the prison system and our struggle to rebuild in the context of a rapidly growing prison population.
“When inspectors last visited Maghaberry in 2018 the population was 830, when they returned in October 2022 the number had risen to 1,050 and this week Maghaberry has a population of 1,230, of whom more than half are in custody and therefore do not have to engage in rehabilitation work.”
Continuing, he said: “While it is important that we do not make excuses for reducing the provision of prison services in the wake of the pandemic, no one should underestimate the pressures that prison staff now face. It is important to recognize that exceptional staff work with some of the most complex, challenging and dangerous members of our community.
“As with our hospitals, ambulance services, police and other operational services, the current demands on prison staff are unprecedented. We are not complacent about the issues raised by inspectors, in fact we are determined to address them, however it is important to recognize that due to the context in which we operate, this is likely to be the case for some time to come.
Addressing the specifics of the report, Ronnie Armor said: “The Chief Inspector rightly identified the presence of drugs as a priority issue and following an inspection around eight months ago we introduced X-ray body scanners at Maghaberry. This new equipment has exceeded our expectations and early signs are showing a significant drop in illegal drugs entering the prison. However, this will now mean that prescription medicines will be in greater demand and we will continue to support our colleagues at the South East Health and Social Care Trust to make sure medicines are not misused.’
Regarding staff-prisoner relations, the CEO said: “I am pleased that inspectors have found that the vast majority of our staff are friendly and approachable and that they support and encourage people in our care to change professionally and appropriately. However, I am concerned that some comments have been made to inspectors about the treatment of Catholic prisoners. The Prison Service takes these allegations very seriously and I have written to the Chief Inspector stating that such comments must be fully investigated and assured her that we will do so if the evidence provided by the Inspector is brought to us. No stone should and will be left unturned in dealing with such allegations of unacceptable behaviour.
“Regarding the complex needs of the prison population, the report highlights a key concern that there is no specific provision for personality disorders at Maghaberry, despite the RQIA in October 2021 identifying this as a serious problem. This means that some become acutely ill. people are still in the care of the prison service rather than receiving appropriate inpatient treatment. Solving this problem should be a top priority for all of us.”
In conclusion, Ronnie Armor welcomed the fact that despite the population pressures faced at Maghaberry, the report noted that “most prisoners felt safe, the number of reported violent incidents had decreased since the last inspection and was less than in similar prisons, and most of them use force levels were low and management was good.’
