Appeal for independent prison monitoring visitors

Independent monitors go behind closed doors to check up on conditions

Islanders are being urged to volunteer as monitors to check the standards of care and detention at Guernsey Prison.

The Independent Monitoring Panel was looking for more members to ensure detainees "are treated with respect and dignity" at the jail in Les Nicolles.

Guernsey Prison has capacity for a maximum of 134 inmates and there were 93 prisoners in mid February, according to the latest government figures.

It said volunteers played a role overseeing a system most people do not see.

"Through this role, your unique insight into this closed environment ensures transparency, impartiality and accountability in our prison," according to the government.

Panel members make unannounced visits every month, talk to prisoners to hear about their experiences and concerns, look at their conditions and treatment.

They visit prisoners in the segregation unit too.

The panel's role was to report on its findings and make recommendations to improve standards.

No formal qualifications are needed and the role is open to the over-18s.

Volunteers will receive training and applicants will be vetted, because of the sensitivity of the role.

People would not automatically be excluded if they had previous convictions, depending on the nature of the offence and the amount of time which had elapsed since conviction, said the government.