Maghaberry Prison

Progressive Regime and Earned Privilege Scheme (PREPS)

In November 2000 a Progressive Regime and Earned Privilege Scheme (PREPS) was introduced in Maghaberry Prison for all sentenced prisoners.

 The objectives

To provide privileges and incentives that are earned by prisoners through good behaviour and performance and are removed if the prisoner fails to maintain these acceptable levels of behaviour.

• To encourage co-operation and participation.
• To encourage sentenced prisoners to progress through the prison system.
• To create a more disciplined, better-controlled and safer environment for prisoners and staff.

There are three different levels of regime: Basic; Standard; and Enhanced.

The regime under which a prisoner is held is now determined by an assessment period that focuses on his/her behaviour in areas such as: conduct; personal hygiene; participation in work and education; and attitude to staff and other prisoners. All new prisoners will be formally assessed from committal before being recommended for placement on a regime suitable to their behaviour.

The assessment is made by way of reports from the prisoner's personal officer and will include reports from staff in other areas such as work, education, visits and the gym. The reports will be considered for the assessment period, and a decision made on an appropriate regime. Prisoners will be informed of all reports and will be given an opportunity to view the reports. The prisoner will be offered the opportunity to sign the report to indicate that disclosure has occurred.

A move to a higher regime will only be made after four consecutive favourable recommendations. Conversely, prisoners who receive any two adverse reports in a three month period, that recommends a reduction in regime will be moved to the lower regime immediately. Prisoners will be given the reasons for a change in regime and may appeal the decision.

Before they are eligible to take part in the enhanced regime it is necessary for prisoners to meet all the criteria and be fully and actively taking part in a sentence management plan.

The Progressive Regime and Earned Privilege Scheme will be reviewed regularly in the form of annual reviews and health checks. It is also the intention to introduce a form of drug testing as part of the overall criteria for the Enhanced level.