Search pilot to begin at HMP Magilligan next week

A Millimetre Wave scanner was delivered to Magilligan on Monday morning and will be operational from next week, the Minister told the Assembly during today’s Oral Questions.

In line with a Prison Service commitment, a second pilot involving a Millimetre Wave scanner will commence at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre next month.

The pilot schemes will test whether advances in technology can lessen the need for full body searches in favour of effective and less intrusive methods, consistent with the recommendation of Dame Anne Owers in her report.

The scanners will be piloted in addition to existing search procedures and are aimed at detecting contraband concealed on an individual. The pilot will run for three months and will be subject to a full evaluation.

Justice Minister David Ford said: “Prison Service officials have leased two Millimetre Wave scanners from two different suppliers; the first of which was delivered and installed at Magilligan yesterday. Following staff training, it is anticipated that the pilot will commence on 26 September.

“A second Millimetre Wave Scanner, from a different supplier, is due to be delivered to Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre next month and a similar pilot will commence then.”

The Minister also confirmed that work continues to pilot Transmission X-Ray scanners with the Prison Service seeking approval for the use of this search technology.

David Ford said: “The use of Transmission X-Ray scanners has not yet been approved for use in prisons. The process of preparing a justification application as required under the legislation is underway.”