Isle of Man Emergency services Related News

Clear direction for the future of Home Affairs

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:19:38 GMT

The Department of Home Affairs is seeking a permanent Chief Executive Officer, as the Minister confirms there will be no structural changes to the Department following a review.

A review was requested by the previous administration to look at all options for the future structure of the Department to ensure services continued to be delivered effectively, including the possibility of transferring functions or dissolution.

Following consideration, and with the clear targets and responsibilities set out in the Island Plan, the Chief Minister and Minister for Justice and Home Affairs have agreed that there is no merit to making any structural changes to the Department of Home Affairs.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, said;

‘I am very pleased to confirm that there will be no change to the constitution of the Department of Home Affairs or its functions. This decision gives us the stability we need to reassure staff and start moving forward with the clear direction set out.’

She continued;

‘It allows us to focus our energy on delivering the hugely important pieces of new primary legislation introduced in the last administration – the Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse and Justice Reform Acts. I have also been clear with the services in the Department that I want to see a renewed focus on digital transformation, using technology to deliver our services more efficiently and effectively.’

The Department is now advertising for a permanent Chief Executive Officer, a role which has been filled in an interim capacity for the past three years.

The CEO will be expected to provide strong strategic leadership to a Department that has wide ranging remit – including Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, Prison and Probation, Communications Division and Emergency Planning and Civil Defence.

The Department is looking for someone to drive forward change and ensure delivery of the targets and outcomes set out in the Island Plan, as well as modernising and supporting our critical services, putting the delivery of community safety at the heart of decisions.

Applications for Chief Executive Officer can be submitted through Jobtrain before 13 March 2022.

Dry weather leads to countryside fire warning

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 13:05:02 GMT

People are asked to avoid lighting fires or barbeques when visiting the countryside as the dry conditions have increased the risk to people and wildlife.

The recent hot weather has dried out large areas of countryside and means a fire could spread quickly and be difficult to get under control.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘We still want people to enjoy the great outdoors in this glorious weather, but it is crucial to be vigilant.

‘In the current conditions wildfires can cause havoc and place people, wildlife, habitats, livestock and crops under unnecessary risk, so our message is simple – please avoid lighting barbeques, camp fires, bonfires, or discarding cigarettes near combustible vegetation, and respect our amazing Biosphere.’

DEFA has installed a number of warning signs across their upland estate regarding lighting fires and using barbeques on their land, which includes registered heathlands and biodiverse nature reserves.

The controlled burning of vegetation by land managers is forbidden at this time of year so anyone who sees a fire should call 999.

Kevin Groom, Chief Fire Officer at the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service (IoMFRS), said:

‘The recent dry spell has enabled many of us to enjoy our beautiful countryside, but it has also increased the risk of wildfires, so people must stay fire-aware.’

Over the last 18 months the IoMFRS has attended 37 wildfires including one in Dalby earlier this year that required a multi-agency response and more than 50 firefighters to put out.

Mr Groom added:

‘A small fire such as a BBQ that is incorrectly disposed of can very quickly result in a large developing fire that may destroy our natural landscape and habitat and affect livestock and property.

‘We ask people to think about their actions and their consequences, as a developing fire would immediately place a rapid demand on our finite resources, so we strongly support the clear messaging given by DEFA and urge anyone that sees a fire to dial 999 immediately.’

Fire and Rescue Service calls out abuse of colleagues

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 12:24:58 GMT

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service maintains additional health and safety measures to protect firefighters and the wider community from the potential spread of coronavirus. The measures have continued to be in place since a small number of positive COVID-19 cases were identified in the Island last week.

Two firefighters recently tested positive and work has been underway by the contact tracing team to establish the origin of the infection. The two staff and their families are currently self-isolating, and a further firefighter identified as a high risk contact also isolated with their family.

The Department of Home Affairs understands that the two firefighters who tested positive have complied with all relevant legislation and isolated immediately after being swabbed for their Covid test.

Additionally through the contact tracing process, three firefighters from a further two fire stations were instructed to self-isolate and are also being tested. The Service is supporting its colleagues through this period and wishes them well.

All fire stations are currently operational to respond to emergency callouts, and crews across all stations will continue to wear additional personal protective uniform for the foreseeable future as a precaution.

The public is asked to respect the privacy of those who are in isolation and not to speculate on the origin of this outbreak.

Chief Fire Officer Kevin Groom said:

‘A number of my firefighters have recently been subject to personal comments and abuse. This behaviour is totally unacceptable. Our firefighters are professional people who risk their lives to protect our community each day and night, year round. I ask that they receive the respect which they all duly deserve.’

People urged not to light bonfires during COVID-19 lock-down

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 08:00:27 GMT

The Isle of Man Government is appealing for people to support their neighbours as well as the emergency services by not lighting bonfires during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Isle of Man Government is not looking to ban garden fires at this time but people are asked to avoid burning domestic and garden waste as it can be dangerous and cause a nuisance to those living nearby.

With restrictions on movement, schools closed and many either unable to work or working from home, it is recognised that households may be creating more domestic and garden waste than usual - which is leading to a build-up due to the temporary closure of civic amenity sites.

However bonfires can cause a problem for neighbours, who might be self-isolating, and at home more often than usual. The Isle of Man Government is urging residents to temporarily store any excess waste until restrictions are lifted and it can be disposed of at their nearest amenity site.

Kevin Groom, Chief Fire Officer for the Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service, said:

‘We are asking people to support their neighbours as well as the emergency services by not lighting bonfires during the COVID-19 lockdown.

‘Especially after this dry weather fire can spread quickly and cause serious damage and disruption to other people. It also creates extra pressure on the already busy emergency services. Bonfire smoke often means people are unable to open windows for fresh air and we have had reports that smoke is having a negative impact on people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and Covid-19 symptoms.’

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture said:

‘By lighting bonfires we can unintentionally cause a lot of upset and distress, not just to our immediate neighbours who might be enjoying their gardens during this very difficult time, but across a wider area where we live.

‘It is really important that we all consider others at this time so we need to make sure those in our communities who may have respiratory problems are protected – and we can do this by not creating smoke and fire in the open air.’

Although household bonfires are not illegal, household waste including DIY waste, plastics and treated wood should not be burnt as they can produce toxic smoke.

If you do have a bonfire, the simple act of informing the Emergency Services Joint Control Room (ESJCR) reduces the risk of crews turning out to false alarms.

Patient Transfer update

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:59:12 GMT

The Government has announced that with limited exceptions, the Island will close its borders for at least 21 days from tonight (Thursday 26 March). Read the Chief Minister’s statement in full.

One of the exceptions covers the transfer of patients to the UK for urgent healthcare appointments. The public are reassured that the Patient Transfer service will still be able to arrange transport for anyone authorised by DHSC to travel to or from the UK in connection with an urgent healthcare appointment.

Patients with booked travel for an appointment during the next week:

Patient Transfer staff will contact all those booked to travel over the next seven days, to assess whether the need is urgent and if so to arrange travel and accommodation.

Patients due to attend an appointment in the UK, travel not yet booked:

These patients are asked to contact the Patient Transfer office so the team can assesses the need to travel in current cirumstances. If travel to the UK is urgently required, staff will make the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements.

Patients who need to return to the Island following a healthcare appointment:

Any patient currently in the UK following a healthcare appointment, including those who travelled there as a private patient, will be able to return home to the Island.

Patients who were pre-booked to return through the Patient Transfer office should receive a call to confirm details of their journey home. Anyone who arranged their own travel to the UK should call the Patient Transfer Office to arrange their journey home.

Patient Transfer office contact details and opening times:

Email: patient.transfers@gov.im

Telephone: +44 1624 642673

The Office is open 9am - 1 pm and 2pm - 5pm Monday to Friday.

In an emergency outside these hours, cases will be managed by the duty Air Ambulance coordinator via +44 1624 650000.

Anti-Drink Drive Campaign 2018 sees 23 arrests

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 17:05:40 GMT

The Isle of Man Constabulary has concluded its Anti-Drink Drive Campaign for 2018.

The Campaign, which takes place across the festive period, saw 349 vehicles stopped around the Island as a direct result of the operation throughout December.

Consequently, 23 arrests were made, which resulted in 8 drivers being charged in Court. 11 were bailed pending further enquiries and a further 4 were released without charge.

Bill Malarkey MHK, Minister for Home Affairs, said:

‘Everyone knows the risks and dangers of drink driving. It’s extremely disappointing to see that there are still some people who make the decision to do it, putting the lives of themselves and others at incredible risk. I’d like to praise this year’s Officers for their hard work across the festive period and ensuring that our roads are safe.’

Roads Policing Officers were deployed around the island throughout the month with extra attention being placed on the roads at weekends and into the early hours of the morning. Officers breathalysed 38 drivers. 59 vehicles were also found to be defective and the drivers were issued with defect rectification forms during the period.

During the 2017 Anti-Drink Drive Campaign, 14 arrests were made across the same time period.

Sergeant Jamie Tomlinson of the Roads Policing Unit, said:

‘It’s clear that the 2018 Drink Drive Campaign has been effective with an increase in arrests made from previous years. This is due to more Officers being pro-actively dedicated to the Anti-Drink Drive Operation in both marked and unmarked Police vehicles. Whilst on patrols, Officers were also able to target unroadworthy vehicles in order to ensure safety on our roads.

‘We’d like to thank the Department of Infrastructure for their support with the matrix signs this year, which saw drink drive warnings placed in key locations around the island. We also used social media to remind the public that drink driving will not be tolerated and we are commitment to identifying and prosecuting those who offend. Unfortunately, it is apparent that drivers of all ages are not heeding our warnings and are still willing to take the risk.

‘The Constabulary remains committed to tackling drink driving all year round.’

Work starts on combined fire and ambulance station

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:19:30 GMT

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has today (Tuesday 9 August 2016) performed the sod cutting ceremony at the site in Ronaldsway that will be developed as the Island’s first combined fire and ambulance station.

The new facility is being constructed opposite the Isle of Man Airport, near to the Sefton Express Hotel and Strix factory. The site was selected after a feasibility study and emergency services risk assessment of the Ballasalla and Castletown communities.

Scheduled for completion in summer 2017, the station will provide a drive-in drive-out capability for ambulances and fire engines, facilities for retained firefighters and ambulance staff, and a training ground incorporating a 10-metre tower.

Once the combined station is operational, the Southern Ambulance Service will vacate its current base at Four Roads, which will become a replacement for Port Erin fire station.

The £1.45 million investment in modern facilities, approved by Tynwald Members in June, is necessary as the existing fire stations at Farrants Way in Castletown and Droghadfayle Road in Port Erin are both more than 50 years old and do not meet current standards. The Department’s plans will allow the two Government-owned sites to be released for redevelopment.

Minister Watterson said:

‘This represents the beginning of a new era in collaborative working between front-line emergency services in the Isle of Man. The combined fire and ambulance station will meet operational demands, provide strategic emergency cover and better serve the community in line with the Department’s commitment to keeping people safe.’

Airport Fire Station Open Day raises funds for charities

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:19:40 GMT

The popularity of this year’s Open Day at the Isle of Man Airport Fire Station has benefitted four charities to the tune of £1,535 each.

Hundreds of people visited the station in May to enjoy a day of family fun, including rides in a fire appliance, bouncy castles, water games, stalls, refreshments and a raffle. Demonstrations and displays were also staged to provide an insight into the work of the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.

Money raised by the firefighters was boosted by a generous donation from Lloyds Bank International to produce a grand total of £6,143.

The funds were split between the Firefighters Charity, which provides support to serving and retired firefighters and their families, and three Isle of Man-registered charities –

Wish Upon A Dream grants wishes for sick and terminally ill children living in the Isle of Man

Bridge the Gap is working to improve facilities and support for teenagers and young adults with long-term health needs

Manx MSA Trust is a central hub in the Isle of Man for anyone affected by Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

Firefighter Nick Dale said: ‘We would like to thank Lloyds Bank International for their support and all the staff, families, volunteers and businesses who helped to make this year’s Open Day such a big success. The event has become an established part of the local community calendar and provides welcome assistance to charities that work hard to improve the lives of people in the Isle of Man.’

For further information about the charities supported by the Airport Fire Station Open Day visit –

www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/

www.manxmsa.com/

www.bridgethegap.im/

www.wishuponadream.co.uk

Thanks to all the local businesses and individuals who supported the event and provided raffle prizes, including –

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Manx Flight Training, Mal’s Butchers, Cherry Orchard, Trend Gift Shop, Whistle Stop Café, Station Garage, Karyn at No. 52 Salon, Natalie Davies Nails & Beauty, Sweets N Treats, John Henley of the New Dawn, Station Port Erin, Canada Life International, Greens team rooms, Kevin Moore (golf vouchers).

New website will support efforts to keep people safe

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:20:38 GMT

A new website with improved features and functionality will play a key role in the Isle of Man Constabulary’s efforts to keep people safe.

Launched today (Tuesday 19 April 2016), www.iompolice.im will act as a first point of contact for a comprehensive range of information, advice and online support.

The Isle of Man Constabulary has a strong track record of embracing technology as part of an integrated approach to modern policing. The new website will enhance the Manx force’s digital presence and work in tandem with its long-standing approach to neighbourhood policing.

The main aims of the site are to prevent crime, to protect vulnerable people and to make services more customer-focused, convenient and accessible in line with the Isle of Man Government’s digital strategy.

Visitors to the website can report minor matters, such as dog fouling or complaints about poor driving, apply for certain licences and notify the police of lost and found items. There are also crime prevention tips, advice on how to avoid falling victim to cybercrime and information about motoring issues, including details of road closures.

People seeking specialist information can be directed to the right agency via interactive links, while a rolling Twitter feed on the home page provides updates from @TweetbeatIOM.

Superintendent Simon Lowe said: ‘The Isle of Man is one of the safest places to live in the British Isles, but there is a consistently high level of demand for the services provided by the police. The new website places important information at people’s fingertips and allows them to instantly report matters and interact with us online.’

He added: ‘The use of technology will not diminish our commitment to traditional face-to-face policing in the community. In fact, the website will enhance the service we provide by helping neighbourhood officers to spend more time on patrol and less time in the office. Smarter working and getting the most out of technology is a vital part of our strategy to keep people safe.’

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK commented: ‘The new website is another example of how the Isle of Man Constabulary is continuing to improve its accessibility to the public. In a wider context, the enhanced use of technology as part of Government’s Digital Strategy will support the Department’s efforts to further modernise the Island’s criminal justice system and improve customer service.’

The website works on all devices and its main features include:

Report It – Allows users to report issues such as abandoned vehicles, faulty traffic lights, bad driving

Apply For – Enables users to apply online for an alcohol/music licence or charitable collection licence, submit an application form to register security staff

Advice – Useful information on crime prevention, attending court, dealing with domestic abuse

Motoring – Advice on motoring matters such as parking, the use of mobile phones, child car seats, paying a fixed penalty notice

Lost and Found – Notify the police of any lost or found items

Superintendent Lowe commented: ‘New web-based reporting features will be added in the near future and we are looking for public feedback to ensure that people have access to the information and services they need. I would encourage people to log on and let us know what they think.’

Parole Committee seeks new members

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:25:11 GMT

An organisation that plays an important role in the smooth running of the Island’s criminal justice system is looking to appoint four new members.

The Parole Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Minister for Home Affairs regarding the release and recall of prisoners. When prisoners are released on licence, the Committee may also make recommendations regarding the conditions applied to such licences; the variation or cancellation of these conditions; and any other matter which is connected with the release or recall of prisoners.

The Committee is hoping to attract a fresh intake of community spirited individuals who are interested in contributing to this challenging, but rewarding, aspect of Island life.

While no formal qualifications are required, prospective new members should have good ‘life experience’, a keen interest in the role and the time and energy to devote to monthly meetings.

An open mind, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism are essential attributes, as are a strong sense of justice, confidentiality and discretion.

An allowance is paid for attending monthly meetings and travel expenses are also available.

Hon. Juan Watterson MHK, Minister for Home Affairs, said:

‘Liberty is a valued possession, and the state has many safeguards before it is taken away. The Parole Committee provide the final gateway between prison and freedom. It is their responsibility to judge whether individuals should be released back into the community and on what terms. It is a role that requires common sense, judgement and a commitment to the values we hold dear in the Manx community.’

To obtain an information pack either:

collect it in person from the Department of Home Affairs, Homefield, 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, IM2 3AP;
download it from the Department of Home Affairs website on: http://www.gov.im/categories/home-and-neighbourhood/parole-committee/; or

request a copy be sent to you by contacting Sharon Baldwin either by e-mail (Sharon.baldwin@gov.im) or by telephone on +44 1624 694318.

Applications should be submitted to the Department by no later than 5pm on Friday 22 August 2014.

Public urged to guard against unnecessary 999 call-outs

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:25:53 GMT

Attending an unnecessary call-out can divert crews away from genuine emergencies and results in additional expense at a time of constrained budgets.

The Fire and Rescue Service has stressed that it will respond to a 999 call and understands there may be occasions when an incident turns out to be less serious than initially thought.

However, householders, commercial property owners and tradespersons have been urged to take care, particularly when carrying out routine maintenance of fire alarm systems.

The advice comes after the Emergency Services Joint Control Room (ESJCR) was last week notified that a fire alarm had been activated at a domestic property on the outskirts of Douglas.

An appliance was mobilised to the incident from Douglas fire station and a standby crew of off-duty personnel was called in as cover at an additional financial cost.

It transpired that electrical engineers working at the property had been testing the fire alarm system, but had failed to inform the monitoring station or the ESJCR.

John Murtagh, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said:

‘Crews responded to this call as an emergency under blue lights and sirens to enable progress through traffic. This places officers and other road users at a greater than normal risk. We also incurred extra expenditure at a time when we are working hard to achieve greater efficiencies and drive down costs. Had the engineers put in place sufficient control measures, this incident would not have taken place.’

Members of the public are being encouraged to check their fire alarm systems are working properly and to ensure they know who to notify if they experience a fault, or having maintenance carried so that the emergency services are not called out unnecessarily.

Consultation on a Bill to modernise fire and rescue service legislation recently ended. One of the proposals is to enable the Department to charge, in future, for the performance of any non-emergency function. It is intended that where Fire Service personnel are called out to a false alarm caused by recklessness, or where a person or body has been negligent, they may subsequently be charged for the unwanted call out.

Chris Thomas MHK, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, said:

‘The Service plays an essential role in the Department’s efforts to safeguard local communities. If there is a fire or the risk of one breaking out, people must of course dial 999 immediately. The Fire Service will always respond to an emergency.’

He added:

‘We are urging people to take care to guard against the dangers, cost and inconvenience of a needless call-out. The Fire Service wants to avoid situations where life may be endangered because crews are attending a false alarm while a genuine emergency is occurring elsewhere.’

Fire safety advice is available on the Government website at http://www.gov.im/categories/home-and-neighbourhood/emergency-services/fire-and-rescue-service

Minister praises effectiveness of Youth Justice Team

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:39 GMT

He said the multi-agency team, which is led by the Isle of Man Constabulary, is continuing to make an important contribution towards enhancing community safety in the Island.

Work is focused on the prevention of offending and reoffending by children and young people. Statistics show that it has been instrumental in transforming young lives and reducing the number of victims of crime.

The Youth Justice Team’s (YJT) annual report for 2012-13, which includes 17 year olds for the first time, reflects an increase in the number of referrals – 412 compared with 340 the previous year – and provides examples of positive outcomes achieved through alternatives to prosecution such as restorative justice, referral schemes, cautions and final warnings.

The report, which will be released soon, also demonstrates the success that has been achieved in supporting young people to move into employment, education or work training placements.

Minister Watterson said: ‘The Youth Justice Team is helping to turn young people away from crime and set them on a path to being more productive members of the community. This work involves behavioural change rather than just quick-fix solutions and the team members should be commended for their excellent performance.’

He added: ‘They have achieved a reoffending rate below the UK average and prevented 85 young people from becoming dependent on benefits, with 60% still in work or education six months after their intervention. The Department of Home Affairs is focused on creating safer communities and protecting the Island's quality of life, and the Youth Justice Team plays a key role in that work.’

The YJT brings together professionals from various Departments of Government, including Home Affairs (Police and Probation), Health, Social Care and Economic Development. The aim is to have a positive impact on young people's lives by working to a philosophy of prevention, restoration and integration.

Crime is prevented or reduced by addressing the underlying reasons behind the offending behaviour – whether they are personal, family, social, educational, training, employment or health issues – and by pursuing earlier and more effective interventions.

The YJT ensures that young offenders face meaningful consequences that hold them accountable for the harm caused to victims and the wider community. A restorative approach is followed, with recommendations in line with the seriousness and persistency of the offending.

Work is also undertaken to integrate young people back into mainstream society. The results have been impressive, with the vast majority of young people referred to the YJT staying out of trouble and many making the move into employment, education or work training placements.

Tony Wild, a member of the Department of Economic Development and of the Department of Education and Children, commented: ‘The Department of Economic Development, through its Employment and Skills Group, is reaching out to all our young people, especially those who have additional social needs, to support them with mentoring, advice and accessing positive opportunities.

‘Everyone deserves the best chance in life and the team is here to help make this possible. Helping our young people is a co-ordinated exercise across the Departments of Government which is being delivered with considerable success.’

Minister Watterson concluded: ‘The Youth Justice Team should be applauded for their pioneering spirit in pursuit of restorative justice - something which is difficult for all participants, but which shows far better long-term results. Through early, targeted intervention, the Youth Justice Team is changing lives for the better, with positive benefits to young people’s employability, health and engagement in the community.’

Community Service continues to play key role in justice system

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:39 GMT

In recent months offenders have helped to clear sections of the Island’s greenways and to rejuvenate popular beauty spots after the devastating snow storms.

Community service orders are imposed by the courts as an alternative to prison sentences and require individuals to perform unpaid work in their own time.

Projects are carried out under the direction of a Probation Officer and Community Service Supervisor and are aimed at ensuring offenders make an effective contribution to the community.

Tasks such as painting and decorating, ground work, gardening and general maintenance are usually completed as part of a weekend work group on behalf of a charitable trust or non-profit making organisation.

Examples of projects undertaken during 2013 as part of community service orders include the restoration of Glen Wyllin campsite, improvements to local greenways and maintenance of Sulby Claddagh.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK, whose Department is responsible for the Prison and Probation Service, said: ‘Community service orders are an effective alternative to custody and are in no way a soft option. Offenders require a disciplined and committed approach in order to repay their debt to the local community.’

He continued: ‘I am currently leading a major reform of the Island’s criminal justice system which is seeking to improve key policy areas in respect of crime prevention, sentencing and rehabilitation of offenders. We must explore more innovative approaches to restorative justice, as there is a growing recognition that prison should be reserved for only the most serious criminals.’

Home Affairs Member Mike Coleman MLC has been closely involved in supporting community service work. He added: ‘Community service orders are a good example of how offenders can be held accountable for their actions in a way that benefits the community.’

Weekend work groups helped to repair damage caused at Glen Wyllin by the worst snow storms experienced in the Island for more than 50 years. Supervised offenders replaced broken fencing, rebuilt paths, drained water from the children’s playground and painted woodwork to prepare the glen and campsite for the busy TT and summer periods.

Another project saw the Probation Service work in conjunction with the Department of Infrastructure to identify a number of greenways that required clearing. Community service work groups set about widening tracks and cutting back briars and gorse to make the Manx countryside more accessible to users, including a section of greenway from Greeba to Cornelly Mines.

Offenders have also been involved in work at Sulby Claddagh to maintain and decorate the toilet block and to paint fences and marker posts.

Minister opposes introduction of e-cigarettes in prison

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:39 GMT

He said the decision had not been taken lightly, and after ‘considerable research, debate and scrutiny within the Department’.

The situation will be kept under review and Minister Watterson said he may reconsider the ban if e-cigarettes are properly regulated in the future.

He commented: ‘The overriding consideration is the duty of care owed to prisoners by the Department of Home Affairs. There is a lack of understanding at this time of the medical implications of medium and long term use of e-cigarettes. The body of medical opinion is that these products are still something of a lottery when it comes to their impact on the user.’

A prisoner had written to the Minister to ask him to consider sanctioning the use of e-cigarettes – battery-powered devices that convert liquid nicotine into a vapour that is inhaled by the user.

Prisoners and members of staff have been prevented from smoking tobacco products at the Isle of Man prison since 2009. The Department of Home Affairs introduced the policy to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondary smoke inhalation.

The arrangements were reviewed in response to a report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in March 2011. The Department decided to continue the ban, with a renewed focus on robust enforcement and effective smoking cessation support.

Minister Watterson said he had kept an open mind on the possible introduction of e-cigarettes and was aware of their use in other prisons. Guernsey recently followed the Isle of Man’s lead by banning smoking at its Les Nicolles prison, but allows prisoners to purchase e-cigarettes as a tobacco substitute.

The Minister said: ‘While e-cigarettes are available or are being trialled in other prisons, they are currently unregulated and questions remain over their safety. The Department of Health’s Quit4U service has also considered this issue and concluded that it would be wrong to promote the use of e-cigarettes until concerns over long-term health impacts are addressed.’

He added: ‘In light of these considerations, and after lengthy discussions, I have decided to oppose the introduction of e-cigarettes at the Isle of Man prison. However, at some point in the future there is likely to be a greater body of evidence around the use of these products. In the medium to long term, if health and security implications can be addressed I would be prepared to look at this again more favourably.’