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28/09/2012
New Prison Scanner Introduced
A new search scanner is being used in a trial period at Magilligan Prison.
The new 'millimetre wave scanner' is reportedly one of the most technologically sophisticated pieces of machinery on the market.
The technology has been introduced in response to findings produced last year by Dame Anne Owers, chief of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The report, led by an independent review team, recommended the Prison Service seek alternatives to full body searches. It said authorities should try to find "an effective and less intrusive method than full body-searching".
Under the new arrangements, prisoners will walk in front of the scanner, raise their arms and turn round 360 degrees. Radio-wave technology is then used to locate concealed objects and can detect plastic, metals, liquids and anything else that is different from the human body.
Dissident republicans in Maghaberry prison have been calling for an end to routine strip-searching for some time.
Justice Minister David Ford told the BBC: "We recognise that full-body searching is not pleasant for the prisoners or the Prison Officers either.
"On the basis of this three-month trial, we'll decide whether it's possible to extend it to permanent use at those two prisons (Magilligan and Hydebank Wood) and see whether there's any possibility of this technology at Maghaberry."
A statement from Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff said: "While it is good news that this equipment is to be introduced, which will end the use of degrading strip-searches if deemed suitable, the minister could not give me a time scale for its introduction in Maghaberry.
"Maghaberry is where prisoners are protesting against strip-searches so it is incumbent on the minister to have this equipment installed there as soon as possible."
(IT)
The new 'millimetre wave scanner' is reportedly one of the most technologically sophisticated pieces of machinery on the market.
The technology has been introduced in response to findings produced last year by Dame Anne Owers, chief of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The report, led by an independent review team, recommended the Prison Service seek alternatives to full body searches. It said authorities should try to find "an effective and less intrusive method than full body-searching".
Under the new arrangements, prisoners will walk in front of the scanner, raise their arms and turn round 360 degrees. Radio-wave technology is then used to locate concealed objects and can detect plastic, metals, liquids and anything else that is different from the human body.
Dissident republicans in Maghaberry prison have been calling for an end to routine strip-searching for some time.
Justice Minister David Ford told the BBC: "We recognise that full-body searching is not pleasant for the prisoners or the Prison Officers either.
"On the basis of this three-month trial, we'll decide whether it's possible to extend it to permanent use at those two prisons (Magilligan and Hydebank Wood) and see whether there's any possibility of this technology at Maghaberry."
A statement from Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff said: "While it is good news that this equipment is to be introduced, which will end the use of degrading strip-searches if deemed suitable, the minister could not give me a time scale for its introduction in Maghaberry.
"Maghaberry is where prisoners are protesting against strip-searches so it is incumbent on the minister to have this equipment installed there as soon as possible."
(IT)
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13 October 2022
New Staff Wellbeing Hub Opens At Maghaberry Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long has officially opened a new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison, highlighting how 'prison officers carry out a challenging and unique role and it is important that we ensure they receive the wellbeing support, recognition and development opportunities deserving of the role'.
New Staff Wellbeing Hub Opens At Maghaberry Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long has officially opened a new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison, highlighting how 'prison officers carry out a challenging and unique role and it is important that we ensure they receive the wellbeing support, recognition and development opportunities deserving of the role'.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
23 February 2009
Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA's Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at the Stormont Assembly today calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison.
Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA's Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at the Stormont Assembly today calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison.
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