Home Affairs investigating sending prisoners to Jersey

In Guernsey’s States last week, Home Affairs president Mary Lowe said that prison numbers could reach a ‘crisis point’ in the next two years, if projections were correct.

She said that an upward trend in prisoner numbers had triggered an ‘immediate investigation’ of alternatives to short-term custodial sentences in Guernsey.

And, speaking to the JEP, she said that ‘early discussions’ between staff in both islands had taken place about the possibility of Jersey helping out by taking some prisoners.

However, when approached by this newspaper, Jersey’s Home Affairs Minister Len Norman, prison governor Nick Cameron and the States press office said no discussions had taken place.

‘The prison population is 112, with a recent population peak at 121. There remains significant concern around the upward trend,’ Deputy Lowe said during the Guernsey States sitting.

‘The prison’s certified normal accommodation is 134 and we cannot lawfully accept more than that number.’

Speaking to the JEP, Deputy Lowe added: ‘At question time following my sixth-monthly update statement on Home Affairs I mentioned we still have concern at the increase in numbers of prisoners.

‘I added we are supporting the possibility to have tagging implemented and are working on this. A question from a Deputy on the floor of the assembly asked what will we do if the prison is full.

‘Let me state here, it isn’t full and only if projections are right would we be in a position to have alternatives in place in two years’ time when numbers could reach our maximum occupancy.

‘I replied one of the options “could” be working with Jersey but this would need legislation changes in both islands. But it isn’t something we’ve ruled out at this stage and staff in both islands have had early discussions.’

Deputy Lowe added that this would not be the only possible resolution should a capacity issue arise.

Home Affairs Minister Len Norman said that he was unaware of any conversations about the matter but he would listen if any proposals came forward.

‘I think that we would only be able to take prisoners on a voluntary basis from another authority and there would be all sorts of legal hurdles,’ he said.

‘I am meeting Deputy Lowe this month and maybe we will discuss it with her then. But no one has contacted me yet. Maybe some discussions have taken place at an informal level.

‘To be honest, it’s not something we are looking for, but if they come to us with proposals, then we will listen to them.’

Prison governor Nick Cameron also said that there had been no discussions on the matter.

A States spokeswoman added: ‘Jersey is working in collaboration more broadly with Guernsey law enforcement and will explore mutually beneficial collaborative arrangements over time.

‘However, the States of Jersey are not aware of any discussions on this issue.’