New prison escort service launched

More than 100 custody officers begin work today as part of new arrangements for escorting prisoners to and from courts in the North.

The staff will form the basis of a team set up under a single management structure now in operation.

They have transferred over from the private security firm resource – formerly Maybin – which until now held the contract with prison authorities.

The new, fully integrated Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service (PECCS) has been set up to further strengthen security and cost effectiveness.

Another 62 prison custody officers (PCOs) are to be appointed and trained by the time the system is fully operational in September, allowing wardens to return to other duties.

However, under special legislation 102 private sector staff have switched over and begin work immediately.

Robin Masefield, director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, backed their decision.

He said: “Their new duties will encompass a wider remit than was previously the case and I have no doubt that they will bring a high level of professionalism to their work.

“This is the first time ever in Northern Ireland that prisoner escorting and court custody services are united under a single management structure, which will bring improved value for money while, at the same time, offering the highest level of protection to the public.

“I look forward to the new PCOs joining the service over the next few months, which will allow us to return prison officers currently involved in escorting duties to mainstream prison work.

“I pay tribute to all those who have been involved, as staff and managers, in providing this important public service.”