Prisoner details could be released to victims

Victims of crime could receive information about the release of prisoners as early as next Spring, if proposals announced today from the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) receive approval.

Under the proposed scheme victims who wish to register, would be informed of the month and year in which a prisoner is expected to be released and receive an explanation of how that release date has been calculated.

They would also receive information of when a prisoner is being considered for temporary release during his or her sentence and would be entitled to make representations, to be considered by prison authorities, before such leave is granted.

The consultation paper was launched today and all those with interests in this area are encouraged to participate fully during the consultation period which runs until November 15. If the consultation period goes smoothly the scheme could be in place by Spring 2003.

Prisons Minister Jane Kennedy said the scheme would allow victims, or their representatives, to receive information on the permanent discharge and temporary release of adult offenders sentenced to terms of imprisonment of six months or more.

The Minister added: “I hope that being able to access information about an offender’s sentence and expected release date and having the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process on temporary releases may, in itself, provide some additional measure of reassurance to victims who are fearful of otherwise unexpectedly encountering offenders in the community.

“Victims issues remain a high priority for the government and in recent years we have introduced a series of important measures to provide much needed support for victims and their families.

The NIPS proposes to establish a victims’ information scheme, which is one of the first of the provisions from the Justice (NI) Act 2002 to be taken forward.

A range of other information, such as licence conditions attached to the prisoner’s release, may also be accessed by victims. It is only where the disclosure of specific details would present a danger to the safety of any individual that such information would not be released.

It will be the responsibility of the NIPS to maintain contact with victims, who register for this service, and keep them abreast of such developments as they occur.

The consultation document may be accessed though the NIPS website at www.niprisonservice.gov.uk or by phoning 028 9052 5557.

(GMcG)