States to be asked to end Jurats role as prison visitors

Sunday 04 September 2016

Members of the public could soon carry out independent checks on prisoners, in place of Jurats, if States members agree.

The Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore has lodged an amendment to the Prison Law that would put an end to the Jurats' role as prison visitors.

A scrutiny review last year found that the dual role of sending people to prison and then checking up on them means that Jurats can't be considered fully 'independent', and so the job needs to be given to someone else.

The review found that the current system wouldn’t meet an agreement under the United Nation’s Convention against Torture.

Deputy Moore – who as Home Affairs Minister is responsible for the prison and the police - will now push for States Members to agree to a new system with independent members of the public sitting on the Prison Board of Visitors instead.

The amendment would also enable the Minister to work more closely with other prison services as well as make changes to the punishments given to prisoners trying to get contraband in and out of La Moye.

Deputy Moore said: “As members of the Prison Board of Visitors, the Jurats have provided exemplary service over many years. In order for Jersey to comply with the requirements of the OPCAT, it is not appropriate for the Jurats to continue to serve in this capacity. I wish to thank all Jurats who have served on the Prison Board of Visitors, and particularly the current Board and Chair, who I am pleased will continue to serve until the Independent Prison Monitoring Board is fully operational.”

If the States agree to the changes, politicians will be shown exactly how the Independent Prison Monitoring Board will work.