Northern Ireland Justice Minister statement on pre-release testing of prisoners

Justice Minister Naomi Long has asked the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to examine the current process of pre-release testing arrangements and to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

Naomi Long said: “Pre-release testing is a vital part of rehabilitation and resettlement back into society, particularly for those who have served long sentences. Most prisoners go through the various stages of PRT testing successfully and reintegrate back into the community, however a small number continually fail or abuse the process by going unlawfully at large. I have met with victims of crime and political representatives and share their concerns regarding that small number who do not take the opportunities afforded to them. 

“I have therefore asked the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to consider the current approach to pre-release testing, including whether any further steps can be taken when an individual repeatedly absconds or fails to comply with their conditions.”

Notes to editors:

1. The majority of prisoners who are subject to pre-release testing have been committed to prison for long periods and for serious offences.
2. Following recommendations from the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland (PCNI), it is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, to prepare these individuals for release and reintegration back into society.
3. Pre-Release Testing is a vital part of that rehabilitation work -
   • testing an individual in a structured, measured and risk assessed manner prior to consideration by the PCNI
   • providing additional evidence for the PCNI to enable them to apply their statutory test; and
   • Decide whether to direct the release of a prisoner on licence.
4. Prisoners are initially tested under the supervision of prison staff, progressing to periods of unaccompanied release before potentially progressing to living and working in the community.  At every stage of this process the level of risk they present is kept under constant review. 
5. The reality is that some will fail this testing, not progressing at any given stage or being returned to prison, while others will progress into the community.  By not testing, PCNI may not have the evidence they need to make a properly informed decision about the final release of an individual on licence.