Virtual tour of Irish prison launched to help reduce anxiety of potential visit

Extra.ie​

5 hours ago

The Irish Prison Services have announced that they will be conducting virtual tours of prison.
The digital tour is the first of its kind in Ireland, with it using 360 degree imagery of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise to create an experience of what it's like entering the prison, either as an incoming inmate or a visitor.
The tour will contain imagery from the prison's reception, rec rooms and cells, and will also have real CCTV footage from the Midlands Prison, with the Irish Prison Services (IPS) saying that they hope this will allow people who may be going to prison to familiarise themselves with what prison life will be like. Pic: Irish Prison Services
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan announced the new tour on Friday morning (July 4), and are also planning a new recruitment drive for prison officers, hoping to reach a target of 300 new officers.
'Prison Officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2025,' Minister O'Callaghan said. 'I am very pleased to launch this year's recruitment campaign which is a key part of a much wider investment by government in our prison system.
'Prisons not only provide a secure environment and act as a deterrent, but through the dedication and compassion that prison officers also provide to offenders, prisons are a place for rehabilitation and education.' The tour will see people be able to access the prison either as a visitor, or as an incoming prisoner. Pic: Irish Prison Services
'The Government is committed to ensuring that all prison officers are enabled and equipped to do their jobs to a high standard in a workplace where they feel safe and protected,' he continued, before adding that the virtual tours will enhance the public's understanding of how prisons operate nationwide.
'I am also pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour. This innovative project will greatly enhance the public's understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace.'
Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, welcomed the recruitment drive and virtual tour, saying 'The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is a vital opportunity to attract individuals who are committed to public service and rehabilitation, and who will play a central role in maintaining safe and secure prison environments.' Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has welcomed the tour, adding that the Irish Prison Services will be doing a recruitment drive for officers. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
'The incredible work of Prison Officers is complex and often hidden from public view, but our annual competition and the launch of the virtual tour allow us the opportunity to let the public see the teamwork, integrity, potential, safety and support that Prison Officers not only offer to prisoners, but to their colleagues as well.
'I wish to commend all those involved in delivering the Virtual Tour, an innovative and informative project that highlights the professionalism and dedication of our staff across the prison estate. These initiatives are key steps in strengthening public understanding of our work and attracting committed individuals to a challenging yet rewarding career.'
The virtual tour of Midlands Prison can be found HERE, while the prison officer jobs will be posted on PublicJobs.ie in the coming days.