Darrin Jones

Darrin Jones, who has spent over three decades in policing, takes up office today for a three-year term.

He previously commanded both Derry city and Strabane and Belfast as chief superintendent and was awarded the King’s Police Medal for exemplary service in the King’s birthday honours of 2023.

The prisoner ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints from prisoners and visitors, as well as deaths in custody in Northern Ireland.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “I would like to congratulate Darrin on his appointment as prisoner ombudsman.

“The ombudsman plays a key role in the criminal justice system, ensuring independent and impartial investigation of eligible complaints and deaths in custody, instilling confidence in our prison system, and I wish him every success in this challenging role.”

She added: “I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Jacqui Durkin, chief inspector of criminal justice in Northern Ireland, who was appointed interim prisoner ombudsman while the process for a new appointment for a substantive prisoner ombudsman was undertaken.

“With her support, the important work of the prisoner ombudsman’s office continued until an appointment could be made.”