MAGILLIGAN PRISON - Independent Monitoring Board

MAGILLIGAN PRISON

BOARD OF VISITOR'S

ANNUAL REPORT TO THESECRETARY OF STATE FORNORTHERN IRELAND

2004 / 2005

Contents

1. Foreword

2. The prison estate

3. Accommodation

4. Education and library

5. Prisoner Development Unit (PDU)

6. Security and the Special Supervision Unit (SSU)

7. Visits and NIACRO

8. Healthcare Centre

9. Training and workshops

10. Gymnasium and recreation

11. Kitchen and tuck shop

12. Notable events of the year

13. The work of the BOV

14. Recommendations

Annual Report to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

MAGILLIGAN PRISONBOARD OF VISITOR'S ANNUAL REPORT 2004 / 2005

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1.Foreword

This is a report that the Board of Visitors(BOV) at Magilligan Prison produced for theSecretary of State, and for generalreadership.

The BOV for the prison is a statutory bodyappointed by the Secretary of State as anexternal, reviewing, scrutinising and reportingcommittee. Its membership (with amaximum complement of 17) is drawn fromthe general public (appointed through mediaadvertising and interview), with final approvalgiven by the Secretary of State.

Members hold office and have powersconferred on them through section 10, PrisonAct (NI) 1953 (as amended).

It must be stressed that the Board of Visitorsis independent of prison management.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service currentlyprovides a secretariat, which acts for theSecretary of State in servicing and overseeingthe needs of the BOVs. Each prison providesinternal secretarial support.

To fulfil their role, each member of theBoard has a right of access to all parts of theprison and to each prisoner, withoutexception, at any time. Members need to befamiliar with the prison estate, personnel andprocedures, and must work together (withconsultation) as a team.

Their primary function must have a prisonerwelfare perspective, in relation to health,welfare, food, safety and security. They alsohave an oversight into staffing andadministrative issues, only in so far as theseimpact on the welfare of the prisoners.

In addition members have defined mandatoryfunctions in relation to the oversight ofrestraint procedures, and the removal ofprisoners from association within their blocks.This role is not as decision makers, but tomonitor the application of these decisions.

The BOV should also be present as observersat all major incidents of disorder. This role isgenerally welcomed by prison management,as it provides an unbiased, independent viewof the incident, which if necessary can be putinto the public domain.

The BOV is also provided with copies of thestandards manual as part of the system ofstandards and audits compliance for thePrison Service. Board members are providedwith training, and their effectiveness in thisrole is assessed through annual appraisal.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thankthe Governor and his staff for their courtesyin affording us the means and theopportunity to fulfil our function, and alsopersonally, to thank the Board members fortheir hard work and diligence in supportingme this past year.

Next year will be pivotal for the BOV, insofaras we are contemplating a name change toIndependent Monitoring Board (IMB) and thePrison Service will appoint a PrisonerOmbudsman. Prison Rules currently underreview may also impact on the remitafforded us in performing our duties.

It's hoped the movement of the secretariatfrom the Prison Service to the PrisonerOmbudsman's office should enhance ourpublic perception as independent from thePrison Service.

(Chairman, Magilligan BOV)


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2.The Prison Estate

HMP Magilligan is a low-to-medium securityworking prison, on the banks of Lough Foylenear Magilligan Point.

An additional residential sub-unit - Foyleview- has been established within the Magilligancomplex, but outside the main prison'ssecurity perimeter, that provides a semi-openregime for appropriate prisoners (inmates hereare subject to risk assessment criteria).

This unit is now capable of housing up to 82prisoners, and there are also working outplaces available for some inmates - six atBenburb and two at Corrymeela.

The Strategic Review of the Northern IrelandPrison Estates has hopefully ensured a futurefor the prison.

Magilligan has three refurbished “H” blockswith special facilities for self-harming anddisturbed prisoners. A gymnasium, trainingareas, workshops and education buildings, areall within the secure area, with the mostrecent addition being a purpose-built PrisonerDevelopment Unit (officially opened by IanPearson in December 2004).

However, the reliance on a number ofPortacabins and temporary structures,including Nissen huts, is not acceptable in themedium and longer term, and the BOV wouldwelcome more permanent accommodation,replacing the Maze-style “H” blocks, whenfinance permits.

Magilligan can house approximately 350prisoners. Inmates are controlled by theProgressive Regime and Earned PrivilegesScheme (PREPS) with its attendant PersonalOfficer involvement. It works towards aconcept of resettlement and throughcare,

which starts when the prisoner is incarceratedand continues throughout custody to theindividual's release and afterwards their returnto a normal life in the community.

We are mindful that this “carrot and stick”approach is in its infancy, but early indicationswould lead us to believe that it works. This isreinforced by structured resettlementplanning, opportunities for education, gainingqualifications, work training and offendingbehaviour programmes. We recognise that itis a professional challenge for staff to embracethis new ethos, involving as it does more workand interaction with the prisoner, with theemphasis on rehabilitation rather than“warehousing”. The BOV feel that theoutcome will be beneficial to all parties andhave positive benefits for the public at large.

We look forward to working with theProbation Board for Northern Ireland andother external agencies, such as the WesternHealth and Social Services Board, whopresently deliver behavioural and lifestyleprogrammes, and the Education Board whoprovide education and library services in theprison.

The BOV underline the need for guaranteedfunding, necessary for the constructive use oftime in prison, and attendant resettlementstrategies.



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3.Accommodation

The refurbished H block can accommodate100 prisoners in single cells. There is alsoprovision for safer cells in each block, whichhave no ligature points, have integralsanitation, and have provision for either oneor two listeners to accompany the prisonerat risk. We cannot commend highly enoughthose prisoners who put themselves forwardas “listeners” and undergo training with theSamaritans, prior to being accepted.

These are not ideal locations to holdprisoners, as they do not have integralsanitation. They do however have thesoftware in place to allow for night unlock,which gives the prisoner access to the toiletsingly, on request.

Drug free wing H1 A/B - A stepping stone.

For the past three months H1 A/B, whichhouses 50 prisoners has been drug free.Prisoners had been asked to put their namesforward for this location, knowing that itinvolved a more rigorous drug testing andsearching regime. The list had then been riskassessed and the prisoners chosen.

From the staff perspective the prisonerswere not abusing the system and the moralewas good. There had been one incident of aneedle found on the wing. This was quicklyresolved when the user presented himself tothe SO and confessed. Peer pressure to keepthe wing drug free is working well.

Presently there are no basic prisoners on thewing, only standard and enhanced. Theenhanced prisoners are entitled to “extras”,one of which is increased telephone contact.On a Saturday evening this can result incongestion of the existing telephones,

resulting in time constraints being imposedby the staff. It should be noted however thatthe telephones are free for long periodsthroughout the day.

The ratio of 1:25 telephones per prisoner,bears favourable comparison with most otherinstitutions. However it must be stressedthat the two telephones on each wing aremaintained to a high standard, and thatrepairs are quickly expedited.

The increase in drug testing and the randomsearching of two cells every day, togetherwith a high input from the drug dog, willhopefully keep the facility drug free.

It is our hope, that following the successfulintroduction of this wing that the governorwill progressively increase this provisionthroughout the prison.

Except for the one “blip” the regime isworking well. There is a definite buoyantmood among the prisoners and less tensionbetween inmates and staff.

Sperrin House which is an even more relaxedregime, consisting of dormitory facilities,longer association, improved laundry andrecreational provision should be opened inthe not too distant future.

Prisoners can then “work” their way towardsadmission to Foyleview, the semi-open partof the prison.

The dormitory facilities available in Sperrinmay not be to the liking of some longerterm prisoners, where sharedaccommodation and issues to do with musicand lights predominate.

The prospect of single room accommodationin Foyleview and attendant contact withoutside may well make them “grin and bearit”.


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Reports initially on the drugs free wing arevery positive. We shall monitor the situationand trust that more prisoners will endeavourto secure a place in a more pleasant andrelaxed environment for all concerned.

4. Education and Library

During the year the Education provision hasbeen ongoing with the number of inmatesincreasing. Essential skills are an issue that isbeing addressed but some inmates, like thegeneral population, are reluctant to admit andaddress their weaknesses. A variety of othercourses are available and these are outlinedduring induction.

The Education Department is proactive intheir awareness of the needs of the prisonpopulation, and on occasion visit the inmatesin their cells with appropriate readingmaterials etc.

Accommodation is still an issue, but theinteragency approach to the needs of theinmates has to be amended. An inspectionreport highlighted a number of issues, whichhave been or are being addressed.

Course provision is constantly under review.The Department of Education and LearningPublication “Skills Strategy for N.I. November2004” has been examined and provision willbe reviewed in the light of this.

Results for those participants taking externalexaminations have been very pleasing with anear 100% success rate. This year an awardsceremony was introduced and will be a regularfeature in the coming years.

With the majority of our population on short-term sentences, it is difficult to completecourses and workshops, and we feel that theissue needs to be addressed elsewhere.

The writer in residence has proved to be atremendous success and a book has beenpublished.

Library provision needs to be reassessed withbetter premises and book choice. It isheartening to note that a proposal has beenmade to the Paul Hamlyn Trust in the hopethat it could provide finance to furnish amobile library to service the blocks.

Tribute must be paid to the staff in theEducation Department in addition to theexternal tutors from various colleges whoassist in the delivery of programme andcourses. New approaches and courses areconstantly being researched, and this is to becommended.



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5. Prisoner DevelopmentUnit (PDU)

Programme facilitators, Psychology,Probation, Resettlement and Northlandshave been accommodated in a purpose- builtunit, erected in May 2004 and officiallyopened in December 2004 by Ian Pearson,Minister for Prisons.

This is a major step forward facilitatinggreater coordination and efficiency in thedelivery of programmes.

Induction has been transferred from PDU(Programmes Development Unit) to H3 andis run by residential staff, thus enabling PDUto plan a pre-release programme,commencing on or about the beginning ofJuly 2005.

Currently 150 prisoners are benefiting from aone to one counselling, with 25 others on afour to six week waiting list.

Research has shown that if the inmatesmotivation is enhanced, prior to thecommencement of behavioural programmes,there is a higher success rate.

PDU currently delivers a range of 13programmes.

Despite PDU's achievements and progressover this past 5 years, it is vital that staffinglevels within PDU be increased to providecontinuity and consistency of delivery. Itshould be remembered that the rolling sexoffenders programme is very time consumingand can only cater for 15 prisoners every year.This, against a background of 30% ofprisoners in Magilligan being in this category.

The recent industrial action by the PrisonOfficers' Association has impacted on thescheduling and delivery of programmes. Theremoval of some PDU staff members toother duties within the prison, being one ofthe causes.


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6. Security and the SpecialSupervision Unit (SSU)

Security within the prison is good, and hasbeen further enhanced by additional nightcustody officers, recently introduced.

In fact the Criminal Justice Inspectorate andHM Inspectorate of Prisons felt the level ofsecurity, for the type of prisoner currently inMagilligan, was excessive.

They also commented that electric lockingshould be reduced, and pass keys introduced,to allow staff and managers access to all partsof the prison at any time. A new handreading system, to enhance security and betteraccount for the movement of staff and someinmates is currently under construction andshould be operational in April 2005.

The introduction of laboratory based testingwill help control the drug problem.

The BOV have been impressed by the passivedrug dogs, and would wish for an increase innumber to four.

The SSU has a poor ventilation system withinthe cells. It is hoped that some improvementmight be made without affecting the securityof the unit. This would be a boon both tostaff and detainees. Some proposals havebeen made in this respect.

7. Visits and NIACRO(Northern IrelandAssociation for the Careand Resettlement ofPrisoners)

Visits are one of the most importantinterfaces between the prisoners and theoutside world. It must also be noted that itcan be one method of introducing illegaldrugs into the prison. The introduction of thepassive drug dogs, search procedures, andscrutiny by CCTV, reduce the possibility ofdrugs being passed.

Visits are open on Wednesday throughSunday, morning and afternoon.

The prisoners' families are looked after in theNIACRO Portacabin outside the main gate,where refreshment is offered and transportcan be arranged if necessary.

The two concerns that the BOV have inrelation to the visits area, are the relativecomfort of the seats, and the fact that“closed” visits are routed through the mainhall.

The BOV look on visits, child centred visits,and all types of family contact as veryimportant in prisoner rehabilitation, andreduced recidivism.



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8. Healthcare Centre

The Healthcare Centre in Magilligan providesa first class, full range of healthcare servicesto all prisoners, including generalpractitioner's services, dental careconsultants, and opticians.

It has initiated many clinics to support healthand well being including a well-man clinic,smoking cessation and asthma clinics and anessence of care protocol recently introduced.

It is also equipped with the necessaryequipment to provide emergency care andlife saving treatment. The hospital is kept inimmaculate condition and is always clean andtidy.

There have been two new observation wardsbuilt recently, designed to be safer cells withno ligature points, each has CCTV and callbuttons linked to both the Samaritans andattendant staff. Both are equipped withtoilet and wash hand basin facilities and arespacious, comfortable and brightly painted.They also have TV and video access through aplexi-glass screen, a disabled wheelchairaccess shower has also been provided. Onerecently introduced policy is the dispatch ofprisoners' treatment and medication detail toprisoners' GPs on release to ensurecontinuity of care.

Concerns about the level of staff cover havebeen raised, but the Associate Director ofHealth and Healthcare for the Prison Servicehas stated that adequate cover already existsbased on the assessed clinical need, and thata report on staffing levels has been initiated.

It would be our contention that, on theoccasions when cover is not provided tocover staff absence or leave, that to sustainthe level of primary care, clinics often have tobe cancelled.

We look forward to the Healthcare Review,in the hope that staffing levels are addressedurgently.

The building is temporary, dated and in needof refurbishment. The rooms can be warmand stuffy with poor ventilation especially onwarm and sunny days.

The level of care is never compromised,despite difficulties. This is due to thededication and hard work of the staffconcerned, and must be commended.


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9. Training and Workshops

There are 10 workshops providing a widerange of training opportunities includingpainting and decorating, bricklaying and use ofcomputers.

These workshops provide work and trainingfor almost 100 prisoners at any one time(currently 96). These workshops are a popularchoice with inmates, with long waiting listsfor vacancies.

The workshops are vitally important forprisoners' resettlement plans, giving individualinmates the necessary skills and experiencethat help them get a job on the outside.

The workshop manager and staff haveestablished good links with local further andhigher education colleges, and the workshopsprovide accredited training and qualificationssuch as NVQs and City and Guilds.

Relatively new to Magilligan is the option ofawarding accredited PerformanceManufacturing and Performance EngineeringCertificates to successful candidates. Theprisoners successfully completing these in themonths ahead will have recognised skills forsecuring work on their release.

In addition, Magilligan can award a Comp TIAcertificate, an accredited computer repairprogramme, which is a qualification much indemand in today's workplace.

The products manufactured in Magilliganworkshops are used in furnishing all threeprisons in Northern Ireland. Their skills havealso been used in the community, such as themaking of gates for cemeteries etc.

However, the BOV notes that:

• there are insufficient job opportunities for all prisoners requesting them;

• extensive refurbishment is required in all workshops to meet the required standard;

• increased staffing levels are needed. At present, there is only one manager, with no replacement to cover for illness orholidays. It should be noted that most workshops manage with only one instructor;

• workshop hours are often lost and workshops forced to close when an instructor is unavailable;

• the work to rule and industrial action, including the overtime ban has seriously affected the training hours with the resulting closure of some workshops.



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10. Gymnasium andRecreation

This is a well used and valued activity, andwith attendance on a voluntary basis ofapproximately 340 per week. This results inapproximately 800 inmate hours per week.

It provides participation in weight training,badminton, table tennis, indoor soccer,outdoor football and athletics. We wouldcommend the Department for their OutdoorActivities Programme where enhancedprisoners can avail of such activities asclimbing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Numerous inmates have taken advantage offour different accreditation coursesadvantageous to their rehabilitation. With 56inmates receiving certificates from 10 coursescompleted.

First aid was also popular as part of theireducation award.

The gym has some original equipmentpurchased in 1989. The BOV would stronglyrecommend that the existing weightsequipment and additional modern cardio-vascular machines be placed in both prisonerand staff gyms. There would also be a casefor upgrading the audio equipment with Sky,similar to Maghaberry.

We would also support the reinstatementand repair of the all weather pitch, theextension of the current accreditationprogrammes, and the participation in theDuke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The Sport and Recreation Service withinMagilligan has made a valuable contributionto the welfare of the inmates. This wouldnot have been possible without the full

support and co-operation of the Governor,and the hands on expertise and dedication ofthe Principal Officer PEI and his team.

11. Kitchen and Tuck Shop

Magilligan Prison is in need of a newpurpose- built kitchen. The building is belowstandard and requires constant maintenanceto function.

A further problem is the distance from themain prison. Meals are provided on a threeweek menu basis. Given the problems, thestaff provide an acceptable standard of food.

Two prisoners are currently doing NVQ level2 courses in catering, one has almostcompleted, the other has just started. Thestaff do a good job tutoring these prisoners.

The kitchen has recently retained its ISOaccreditation.

The tuck shop is working well and staff makeevery effort to fill prisoners orders.

Complaints are made on the cost of someitems, but as contracts are sourced centrally,it is outside the control of local staff.


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12. Notable events of year

• Director of Healthcare to Board meeting January 2004

• NIAMBOV conference Belfast Hilton 7/8 May 2004

• Honorary Freedom of Borough ofCastlereagh conferred on the Prison Service 15th May 2004

• Director General Peter Russell attended March 2004 and June 2004

• Criminal Justice Inspection 20-24 September 2004

• Maghaberry BOV visit 29 September2004

• Hydebank YOC and Prison BOV/VC visit 12 October 2004

• Edinburgh Conference 15/16 October2004

• Official opening Programmes Village by Ian Pearson Prisons Minister 7 December2004

• Director General Robin Masefield attended Board meeting 12 January 2005

• Inter-institutional visit to DoncasterPrison 14/15 March 2005

13. The Work of the BOV

This year the monthly meetings were wellattended with an average of 75% of membersbeing present, and 100% of the rota visitscarried out weekly, to ensure that prisonercomplaints (applications) are dealt with in atimely manner.

The BOV members attended on 450occasions, including monthly training seminars,rota visits, board meetings, case conferences,drug strategy, suicide-awareness, anti-bullyingand other associated meetings (NIAMBOV,Chairman's meetings etc).

We attempt where possible to observeGovernor's adjudications (with the necessaryprisoner consent), and in any case monitor theawards on a monthly basis, and report back tothe Board meeting.

We have dealt with 105 applications in thecourse of the year and are currentlyconsidering a further method to accessprisoner complaints.

Members have particular areas of responsibilitywithin the prison, which they regularlymonitor and report on. However, allmembers have the obligation to comment onany area of the prison estate, which theyconsider to fall below the guidelines outlinedin the Expectations document released by HerMajesty's Inspectorate of Prisons.

The Board was pleased with the response ofthe Governor in dealing with many of ourconcerns throughout the year. These included:

• the provision of hand washing facilities (antiseptic wipes and soap dispensers) during lock-down;



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• the provision of a nappy-changing facility,plus an area for older children in the visits area;

• the introduction of laboratory drug-testing procedures;

• the provision of a drug-free wing;

• the reduction in use of the four-man cell;

• the provision of an extended Foyleview, which in the view of the BOV is a welcome addition to the estate. The recidivism rate of Foyleview “graduates” is very impressive, currently less than fourper cent. Though it should be noted thatwe are not working from the same baseline as the total prisoner population, it does give the indication that involvement in outside work prior to release, does have a positive effect. The gate from Foyleview onto the Point Road has now been activated, making the facility responsible for counting the prisoners. It is now in effect a prison on its own!

14. The BoardRecommends:

• constructive activity provision for all prisoners;

• consolidation and expansion of the “drugs-free” regimen in H1;

• increase in purposeful activity hours;

• increase in the use of drug dogs to combat drug abuse;

• increase in the frequency of laboratory-based drug testing;

• maximising training of personal officers inthe PREPS regime;

• establishing within the three prisons a commonality of forms;

• maintaining the “visits” even understaffing difficulties;

• extending inter-jurisdictional visits, whichare a valuable learning opportunity;

• assess and upgrade all temporary buildings to an acceptable standard, ornew build as finance permits;

• look at staffing levels in the Healthcare Unit and PDU;

• improve the library and education provision;

• upgrade the ventilation within the SSU and Healthcare Unit;

• reassess the seating within the visits area;

• a method for closed visits, which precludes going through the main hall;

• continue to upgrade gymnasium equipment, including the audio system;

• consider the location and fabric of the kitchen.


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MAGILLIGAN PRISON - Independent Monitoring Board

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