Maghaberry Prison

Progressive Regimes for Untried Prisoners

Following the successful introduction of progressive regimes for sentenced prisoners a similar initiative for untried prisoners was implemented on 25 March 2002.

The scheme closely resembles that introduced for the sentenced population. There are three levels of regime: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. All remand prisoners will initially be placed on a standard regime and from there will undergo a four week assessment.

Prisoners may progress to enhanced if their behaviour is exceptional and they are willing to take a voluntary drug test and take up an offer of work. Engagement in custody planning is also a necessity for any untried prisoner wishing to move to enhanced status. A prisoner whose behaviour is deemed unacceptable will find himself or herself on the basic regime. On the basic regime prisoners receive the minimum entitlements as specified in prison rules but are not offered any incentives or privileges.

The right of an untried prisoner not to work or attend education has not changed. They are however, under this new regime, being encouraged to make best use of the time spent in custody.