Solitary Used 'Too Often, Says Report

NI prisoners are being locked-up in their cells too frequently after breaking rules.

The claim has emerged along with evidence to suggest that such an approach is "not changing offending behaviour".

Currently, it is used as a punishment for abusive language or possessing something forbidden, a report from the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) has concluded.

A Prison Service spokesman confirmed the document was compiled recently: "Inside View was NIPS response to the Section 75 Report into the NIO," he said.

The document noted: "There is an over-reliance on the use of cellular confinement with little or no evidence to indicate that it is effectively changing behaviour.

"The adjudication (disciplinary) process is often viewed primarily as a system for punishment rather than for changing behaviour."

The dossier also said there was little evidence alternatives to initiating the disciplinary process had been explored between prison officers and prisoners and consequently the move took place too frequently.

"Officers noted that these (multiple) cases were the most difficult to address as they not only affect the atmosphere of the prison, but they take up a large proportion of time which it was felt could be better utilised," it added.

The report for the Service said the practice contrasted unfavourably with the Republic of Ireland's regime.

A spokesman for the Prison Service said: "The Inside View did conclude that there was little evidence of alternatives to initiation of the adjudication process and the Prison Service is currently taking steps to explore alternative methods of resolution, particularly in relation to less serious issues."

There is also a potential for bias on religious grounds.

Last month, when the report was first published, it found that Catholics in prisons get "fewer privileges" than their Protestant counterparts.

The report by Criminal Justice Inspection said 80% of prison officers are Protestants and said therefore, "Catholic inmates receive less favourable treatment".

On foot of the revelations, NI Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins affirmed what he said is the criminal justice system's commitment to equality and diversity.

However, further analysis of the report now indicates that the number of Catholics being disciplined is also higher than for others.

"The review team found no evidence of systematic bias. But there was often little recorded information to justify movement by a prisoner within the scheme for earning privileges.

"This absence or poor quality of information and lack of consistency needs to be addressed as this can lead to potential for bias." it concluded, also noting that within the 1,885 disciplinary hearings recorded in 2007, a single Catholic inmate amassed 48 during the year. Over 60% of all the cases produced confinement to cells.

See: Catholic Prisoners Facing Discrimination, Says Report

(BMcC/JM)