The move follows a successful pilot in parts of the Northern Ireland prison estate.

Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: “Since becoming Minister I have been determined to ensure that prison officers have all the support required to do their job safely and effectively.

“Following a successful pilot by the Northern Ireland Prison Service of the use of Body Worn Cameras in high risk areas in the prison estate; I asked for further work to examine how they could be deployed further.

“I am pleased to announce that this work is now complete and before the end of March, Body Worn Cameras will be available for deployment in all areas of the three prison establishments in Northern Ireland.”

Ms Sugden added: “I believe this is a significant and important step in ensuring that prison officers have the right tools to perform their difficult and challenging role and will contribute to a safer prison environment for both staff and prisoners.”

The Department of Justice said its assessment of the pilot scheme suggests the cameras promote reassurance, modify behaviour, prevent harm, and deter prisoners from committing breaches of prison rules, as well as providing evidential quality video and audio recordings.