Prison records retention
Given what we discovered about the destruction of prisoners' files, many of which would have been important historical records, we recommend that the SOSNI should satisfy himself whether any other prison records have been destroyed and whether proper retention processes are now observed in the NIPS.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSecretary of State Owen Paterson stated on 14 September 2010 that he would discuss all three recommendations with Justice Minister David Ford, as prisons had become a devolved matter. The inquiry had found that approximately 800 inmate files from HMP Maze were destroyed in late 2001 or early 2002 without written authorisation. The Department of Justice subsequently published a Retention and Disposal Schedule (now in version 5) covering all DOJ records including prison records, specifying retention periods and transfer to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). However, there is no public record of a specific investigation into whether other prison records were destroyed, as the recommendation called for.
Secretary of State Owen Paterson stated on 14 September 2010 that he would discuss all three recommendations with Justice Minister David Ford, as prisons had become a devolved matter. The inquiry had found that approximately 800 inmate files from HMP Maze were destroyed in late 2001 or early 2002 without written authorisation. The Department of Justice subsequently published a Retention and Disposal Schedule (now in version 5) covering all DOJ records including prison records, specifying retention periods and transfer to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). However, there is no public record of a specific investigation into whether other prison records were destroyed, as the recommendation called for.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland accepted recommendation on prison records retention. Review conducted of record destruction practices and retention processes within NIPS.
View detailed findings
The Secretary of State stated in the House of Commons on 14 September 2010 that the Government was sincerely sorry that failings in the system facilitated Billy Wright's murder. Recommendation on records retention was acted upon.