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Concerns over set-up of Prison Visitor panel

It is the job of Jurats to oversee the day-to-day operation of the prison and to protect the well-being of prisoners and staff. Some politicians are concerned that this breaches inmates' human rights.

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Jersey's prisoner visitor system to be reviewed

A States Scrutiny Panel is going to consider whether changes need to be made to the prison visitor set-up.

There's a perception that it is an old-fashioned system and could be ready for change, but there are many benefits to having the Jurats in position. Sometimes some prisoners find it beneficial to them that the Jurat may have knowledge of their case.

– Deputy Kristina Moore, Minister for Home Affairs

Evidence given at a meeting this week was conflicting so the Panel want to learn more before they make further recommendations.

We need to do some more work to investigate what the inmates at La Moye think, if they're happy that some of the people they may be complaining to have a judicial role at the same time and that some may see that as a positive thing. So, our job has to be to get to the bottom of it and see what their views are.

– Deputy Sam Mezec, Member of the Scrutiny Panel

Should the people who send criminals to jail also be on the board of prison visitors?

Should the people who send criminals to jail also be on the board of prison visitors? That is a question a Jersey States Scrutiny Panel is considering after calls for the system to be overhauled.

It is the job of jurats to oversee the day-to-day operation of the prison and to protect the well-being of prisoners and staff. There are fears that breaches inmates' human rights.

La Moye prison houses 157 inmates and all of them are entitled to see a prison visitor if they have any welfare concerns.

Deputy Montfort Tadier says their official visitor shouldn't be the person who sent them there in the first place.

We also took independent human rights advice from a lawyer who had already done work with other scrutiny panels and the advice was quite clear, you should change the system and open it up to lay members.

– Deputy Montfort Tadier

In Guernsey, it is independent and anyone can apply to become a prison visitor. They are given practical and theoretical training.

The Scrutiny Panel will now need to consider the somewhat conflicting evidence about what prisoners want before making any further recommendations.

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