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01/03/2023
X-Ray Body Scanners 'Game Changer' In Fight Against Prison Contraband
The the introduction of new high-tech X-Ray Body Scanners in NI's prisons has been described as a "game changer" in the fight against the trafficking of illegal contraband.
Welcoming the phased rollout of the new scanners in NI prisons, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronnie Armour said: "Some people in our prisons are determined to traffic contraband into our establishments, however we are equally determined to stop them. Our fight against illegal trafficking has taken a huge step forward with the introduction of X-Ray Body Scanners into Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank.
"This technology should be seen as a deterrent to those who wish to use their bodies to bring in drugs and other illegal items into our prisons. This really has the potential to be a game changer in our efforts to thwart their efforts; it will assist in the detection and prosecution of offenders; and as a result will make our prisons safer for our staff, partner agencies and the people in our care.
"The introduction of this technology is a key recommendation from the Criminal Justice Inspector and demonstrates our determination to makes our prisons as safe as we can to facilitate our focus on rehabilitation as we challenge and support those in our care to change their behaviours."
The new scanner will 'go live' in Maghaberry Prison today with other machines planned for Hydebank and Magilligan later in the month.
The Governor of Maghaberry Prison, David Savage said: "This technology was initially piloted in prisons in England and has recently been introduced in Scotland. Last year over one in ten scans in England and Wales highlighted the presence of contraband. Experience elsewhere indicates that this technology will greatly assist prison officers in controlling the flow of drugs in our prisons. My message to anyone thinking of attempting to traffic contraband is simple – don't do it, we will find it."
Welcoming the phased rollout of the new scanners in NI prisons, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronnie Armour said: "Some people in our prisons are determined to traffic contraband into our establishments, however we are equally determined to stop them. Our fight against illegal trafficking has taken a huge step forward with the introduction of X-Ray Body Scanners into Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank.
"This technology should be seen as a deterrent to those who wish to use their bodies to bring in drugs and other illegal items into our prisons. This really has the potential to be a game changer in our efforts to thwart their efforts; it will assist in the detection and prosecution of offenders; and as a result will make our prisons safer for our staff, partner agencies and the people in our care.
"The introduction of this technology is a key recommendation from the Criminal Justice Inspector and demonstrates our determination to makes our prisons as safe as we can to facilitate our focus on rehabilitation as we challenge and support those in our care to change their behaviours."
The new scanner will 'go live' in Maghaberry Prison today with other machines planned for Hydebank and Magilligan later in the month.
The Governor of Maghaberry Prison, David Savage said: "This technology was initially piloted in prisons in England and has recently been introduced in Scotland. Last year over one in ten scans in England and Wales highlighted the presence of contraband. Experience elsewhere indicates that this technology will greatly assist prison officers in controlling the flow of drugs in our prisons. My message to anyone thinking of attempting to traffic contraband is simple – don't do it, we will find it."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
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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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Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry and rather cloudy day. Chance of some brighter spells breaking through across the east at times. Brisk southwesterly winds. Mild. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain mainly dry with a good deal of cloud. A little rain reaching the far west later. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
