Security arrangements at HM Prison, Maze

Terms of reference: To conduct an Inquiry into the security arrangements at HM Prison, Maze, relative to the escape on Sunday 25 September 1983 and to make relevant recommendations for the improvement of security at HM Prison, Maze.

Chair: Sir James Hennessy, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

Panel: Mr G H Lakes, HM Deputy Chief Inspector of Prisons and other former prison governors and members of HM Inspectorate of Prisons

Dates:

Inquiry commenced on 26 September 1983
Conducted investigations at the Maze prison for four and half weeks from 27 September 1983

Report: published 26 January 1984

Link to download report:

http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/hmso/hennessy/hennessy84.htm#appendix2

Description of the events which caused the public concern: On 25 September 1983, 35 prisoners, all serving sentences for serious offences, escaped from Block H7 of the Maze prison having taken over the block at gun point. In the process one prison officer died and several others were injured.

Summary of report’s recommendations:

  • Numerous specific recommendations about the Maze including:
  • More should be done to make staff aware of the dangers of conditioning and manipulation and more attention must be paid to the need for effective supervision and direction by all levels of management
  • Greater consideration of the selection and control of prisoners working as orderlies
  • Improved searching of visitors and deliveries to the prison
  • Consideration should be given to the institution of an appointments system for professional visitors and their visiting arrangements should be reviewed
  • Physical changes to the prison to improve security and surveillance
  • Changes to management structure in the prison