Statement by The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service (NICTS) and the Northern Ireland Prison Service

The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service (NICTS) and the Northern Ireland Prison Service have welcomed the latest Court Custody Inspection report.

The report was published today by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI).

A spokesperson for NICTS said: “The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service (NICTS) welcomes the recognition by the Inspectors of the challenges faced by operating an aged estate and the ongoing investment by NICTS to improve the condition of the estate. 

“NICTS has accepted the two recommendations that Inspectors have made in the report. Implementation of these recommendations is already being progressed through the NICTS Vision 2030 Portfolio and Estates Modernisation Programme. Improving the resilience, value for money and sustainability of the NICTS Estate is a key element of our Vision 2030 Portfolio, as is improving the experience of all court users, including those in custody. 

“NICTS has well established constructive relationships with the Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS), and we welcome the recognition of the Inspectors that these relationships were vital for maintaining public services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. NICTS continues to work closely with the Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS) to ensure the safety, security and respect of those in their care.”

Welcoming the recent inspection of the Prison Escort and Court Custody Services (PECCS), a spokesperson for the NI Prison Service said: “Inspectors have acknowledged the efforts and good work of PECCS staff and good working relationships with other agencies. However, there is always room for improvement, and by accepting the report’s recommendations around recruitment as well as training and development, we can make our prison escort services much better for everyone.”
 

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact DoJ Press Office by email: press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk 
2. Follow us on Twitter @Justice_NI
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
 

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