A failed prison

Posted by Jim on November 28, 2016

After five deaths at the jail in the past year, prisons campaigner
Alec McCrory raises concerns about the situation in Maghaberry.

The problems in Maghaberry are systemic ones. Recent suicides are not
explained simply by neglect or failure to follow guidelines for the
management of vulnerable prisoners. No, it goes much deeper into the
system where there is a lack of empathy and basic respect for prisoners.

Screws are not social workers, fair enough, yet they are required to
work with people who suffer from mental health problems and serious
addictions. Also, the level of educational attainment amongst prisoners
is frighteningly low and is reflected in their inability to articulate
concerns and grievance.

The relationship between staff and prisoners is based on a power
differential. This unequal relationship is not conducive to building
understanding and trust between human beings. Every conceivable social
prejudice towards prisoners is present in the general workforce in
Maghaberry; prisoners are scum and are unworthy of proper treatment. A
basic training regime for new recruits does nothing to alter these
prejudices at the individual or collective level.

For example, I was up visiting a friend today and nothing seems to have
changed regarding the attitude of some staff members. A female screw
with a well earned reputation for being a bigot was her usual abrasive
self. Although this was a minor issue it is reflective of the hostility
that exists within that institution which is responsible for many of the
problems we see today. I would not trust that woman with the care of a
dog to say nothing of prisoners for whom she has the upmost disdain.

During the exchange I noticed she was not displaying an identification
number on her uniform. When I challenged her on this she said it was
none of my business and that she was not answerable to the likes of me.
I reminded her that a court ruling last year required all members of
staff to wear numbers for identification purposes and that the
compliance date was long past: to which she merely shrugged her
shoulders. Why an ignoramus such as this is allowed to engage with the
public is typical of the blase attitude of those responsible for
managing the prison.

Finally, Maghaberry requires a complete overhaul at every level of the
system. This will only happen when the political parties at Stormont
begin to take the matter seriously. Successive reports have damned the
prison as being totally unfit for purpose. As prisons are now a devolved
matter, the responsibility for the present crisis sits squarely on the
shoulders of the local parties; the major portion resting with the
devilish DUP/Sinn Fein coalition. How many more deaths must there be,
how many more damming reports, how many more protests before this
nightmare institution is put to rights?