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Isle of Man Prison inspection report 5 October 2011 SIGNIFICANT progress has been achieved at the Isle of Man Prison, but a number of issues still need to be addressed, according to a report published today (October 5) by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. Members of the inspection team who visited Jurby in March said they were encouraged to find a good standard of accommodation, a generally safe and respectful environment, and a strong healthcare programme. However, concerns outlined in the report include the lack of an Island-wide strategy to reduce reoffending, a limited range of purposeful activity for prisoners, problems associated with illegal drugs, and an underdeveloped diversity provision. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said: ‘In previous inspections, my predecessors had been very concerned about the poor physical environment provided by the old Victorian prison. At this inspection we were very pleased to see that the move to an excellent new facility in the north of the Island had been successfully completed. The move had been accomplished without damage to the prison’s long-standing and greatest strength – its very good staff-prisoner relationships. A good environment and good relationships are the critical foundations for a successful prison. However, they are only the foundations and the prison now needs – and has the opportunity – to build on them to ensure other areas achieve the same high standards,’ The report also recommended a review of the no-smoking policy, saying the prison needed to regain control of the issue. Mr Hardwick said: ‘Resolving the issues created by the smoking ban would be a good step in ensuring that the prison can concentrate on the right priorities.’ The Department of Home Affairs, which has responsibility for the operation of Jurby Prison, said measures had already been put in place to address some of the concerns raised in the report. A review of offender management services has led to the merger of the Island’s Prison and Probation teams, and the new joint agency is spearheading efforts to reduce repeat offending and improve opportunities for rehabilitation. Enhanced custody planning, better links with other Government Departments such as Health and Education and Children, new anti-bullying arrangements and an improved resettlement programme have also been implemented. DHA Chief Executive Mark Kelly said: ‘Whilst I acknowledge there is still work to be done, I am pleased that the Chief Inspector of Prisons has recognised the progress achieved in the Isle of Man in recent years. Given the challenges associated with running a prison with a mixed population of adult males and females and young offenders, it is a credit to the Governor and her officers that they have maintained the excellent staff-prisoner relationships. There is obviously scope for improvement and we will take on board the inspector’s criticism. We will continue to work within current budget constraints to bring forward fresh ways to improve outcomes and thereby protect the Manx public which is the Department’s core purpose.’ Mr Kelly added: ‘The report has identified issues around the no-smoking policy, which was introduced to protect non-smokers at the prison from the harmful effects of secondary smoke inhalation. In response to the Inspector’s comments, the Department instigated a review of current arrangements and decided to continue the ban, with a renewed focus on robust enforcement and effective smoking cessation support.’ A copy of the report can be found below and on the Department of Home Affairs website. More stories >>>
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