PART 2

The Prison Ombudsman For Northern Ireland

Investigations requested by Department

Investigations requested by the Department
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1
The Department—
a
shall request the Ombudsman to investigate any custody-related matter if any of the events to which it relates is of such a nature or description, or occurs in such circumstances, as may be prescribed;
b
may request the Ombudsman to investigate any other custody-related matter which is specified in the request.
2
Before making any request under subsection (1) the Department shall consult the Ombudsman.
3
A custody-related matter is a matter relating to events which have (or may have) occurred—
a
at a prison or juvenile justice centre, or
b
while a person is in the custody of a prison officer or a member of the staff of a juvenile justice centre,
and any matter the Department considers is (or may be) linked to such events.
4
Before making any regulations under subsection (1)(a) the Department shall consult—
a
the Ombudsman; and
b
such other persons as the Department thinks appropriate.
5
The Ombudsman must—
a
decide whether to conduct an investigation in pursuance of a request under this section; and
b
notify the Department of that decision.
6
It is for the Ombudsman to determine the procedures to be applied to an investigation under this section.
7
At any time in the course of an investigation under this section the Ombudsman may make recommendations to the Department about any matter arising from the investigation.
8
At any time in the course of an investigation under this section the Ombudsman shall—
a
draw to the attention of the police any matter which in the Ombudsman’s opinion is relevant to any criminal investigation;
b
draw to the attention of any body or person any matter which in the Ombudsman’s opinion calls for action to be taken by that body or person.