Prison officers want bosses to quit
Prison officers in Northern Ireland have called for the resignation of three senior bosses, claiming they had no confidence in them.
Thursday March 18 2010
Prison officers in Northern Ireland have called for the resignation of three senior bosses, claiming they had no confidence in them.
The dramatic move by the Prison Officers Association (POA) was prompted by concerns over the handling of staff disciplinary proceedings following the suicide of an inmate two years ago.
A subsequent independent investigation of that process identified a number of procedural shortcomings by management.
But a Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) spokesman tonight stressed the investigation report did not call for sackings.
"Management and the POA both signed up to this report and the report did not contain any recommendation for management resignations," he said.
The spokesman said the investigation also highlighted potential failings in regard to how the POA engaged in the process.
Colin Bell, 34, hanged himself in his cell while supposedly on 24-hour suicide watch at the high security Maghaberry jail near Lisburn.
The NIPS removed governor Alan Longwell and deputy Steve Davis and censured a number of staff after a damning report into the incident by the Prisoner Ombudsman.
But the POA claim those disciplined were denied the right to fair hearings under the code of conduct.
In a unanimous vote tonight, the POA demanded that NIPS director Robin Masefield, director of finance and personnel Mark McGuckin and Max Murray, the director of operations, all step down. While the Maghaberry warden and deputy were removed, 13 other staff were disciplined and have appeals pending.
