LISTEN: Some court custody suites in Northern Ireland are ‘not fit for purpose’

By Q Radio News

Some custody areas in courts here are not fit for purpose.

That's according to a new report by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland.

Inspectors found some cells had no natural light or ventilation, a lack of running water and no way to regulate temperature in the rooms.

Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland said:

“They were built in an era when the standards of accommodation for holding people accused of criminal offences were very different, however, they are still in use today.''

“We have recommended that an assessment of current court custody facilities and areas for escorting detainees is undertaken against the Expectations and indicators used by Inspectors to carry out this Inspection.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic significantly fewer detainees were required to appear in person at court and the benefits of appearing by video link were realised.  

''The potential to sustain these arrangements and reduce the detention of adults and young people in unsuitable courthouse cell accommodation could be explored,” said the Chief Inspector.

The report found that staff from the Northern Ireland Prison Service Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS), who were responsible for both transporting prisoners and young people to and from prison or the Juvenile Justice Centre and their treatment and care while in court custody, treated detainees respectfully and with dignity.

“However Inspectors found challenges existed around the recruitment and retention of PECCS staff and a need for more role-specific training and ongoing professional development to support staff,” said Ms Durkin.

“We have recommended that the Northern Ireland Prison Service should carry out a workforce review of the PECCS within the next six months to address these issues, identify the future resourcing requirements and streamline the current management structures.”

The report has also recommended that steps be taken to address the current lack of IT access in court custody areas.

“Inspectors have recommended that action be taken to install IT hardware and software in all court custody areas within the next 12 months to address this issue, and enable appropriate information to be shared between PECCS and prison staff about detainees coming into prison reception or from prison to court to support their care and treatment,” she said.

Here's Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Jacqui Durkin:

Jacqui Durkin