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05/02/2007
Prisoner escort service revamped
Over 100 custody officers have started work as part of new arrangements for escorting prisoners to and from courts in Northern Ireland.
The new staff will take over from a private security firm, which until recently held the contract with prison authorities.
The new officers, which will be known as the Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS), will help to strengthen security and cost effectiveness.
By the time the new system is in full operation in September, an additional 62 prison custody officers (PCOs) will be appointed and trained allowing PECCS wardens to return to other duties.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service today said: "This is the first time ever in Northern Ireland that prisoner escorting and court custody services are united under a single management structure, which will bring improved value for money while, at the same time, offering the highest level of protection to the public."
He added that he looks forward to the new PCOs joining the service over the next few months, which will allow prison officers currently involved in escorting duties to return to mainstream prison work.
(EF)
The new staff will take over from a private security firm, which until recently held the contract with prison authorities.
The new officers, which will be known as the Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS), will help to strengthen security and cost effectiveness.
By the time the new system is in full operation in September, an additional 62 prison custody officers (PCOs) will be appointed and trained allowing PECCS wardens to return to other duties.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service today said: "This is the first time ever in Northern Ireland that prisoner escorting and court custody services are united under a single management structure, which will bring improved value for money while, at the same time, offering the highest level of protection to the public."
He added that he looks forward to the new PCOs joining the service over the next few months, which will allow prison officers currently involved in escorting duties to return to mainstream prison work.
(EF)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
