Prison services pledge to continue cross-border co-operation

Ronnie Armour, head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, and David Clarke, head of learning and development at the Irish Prison Service, attended the recent passing out of 12 prison officers (9 men and 3 women) at Hydebank Wood College.

Wishing the graduates success, Mr Clarke said: “I am delighted to have taken part in today’s passing out ceremony and am committed to continuing this important and ongoing co-operation between the Irish Prison Service and the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

“Both our organisations operate a very similar model of training for new recruits, which is viewed as exemplary practice within Europe, and it’s important that we continue to work together to grow and learn.”

The new recruits graduated following an intensive eight week training course and will start work with the Northern Ireland Prison Service this week. A further 78 students are due to graduate in the coming months.

Mr Armour added: “It was heartening to see much hard work rewarded at today’s passing out ceremony. The people who have graduated today will continue to bring energy and innovation to the Northern Ireland Prison Service and this is to be welcomed.

“It is the aim of the Prison Service to challenge those in our care, and to support them to change and I do not doubt, having spoken to some of our new recruits today, that they will be a driving force in this.”