Prisoners at Magilligan jail given access to Skype

The approved prisoners have access to the Skype audio visual technology from inside the prison, the first in the United Kingdom to introduce the facility.

Governor of Magilligan David Eagleson explained: “The audio visual Skype link allows prisoners to make personal video calls to loved ones.

“We know that when prisoners have strong family support they’re in better shape for reintegration to family and community and we see this as an important part of the rehabilitation process.”

Governor Eagleson added: “We launched Skype as a pilot scheme at the end of last year. Apart from the initial cost in installing the equipment, it is free to use. The link is set up in a safe and secure environment for a prisoner to make personal video calls to loved ones for up to 30 minutes each week.

“The suite is completely sound-proof, but security cameras monitor the calls.

“The uptake among the prison population was slow to start but it is being used by more and more prisoners, including foreign nationals, who are husbands and fathers and those who wish to maintain a good relationship with their families. We are now also planning to roll it out to more prisoners in the future.”

Magilligan Prison is a medium to low security prison which holds male prisoners with six years or less to serve and who meet the relevant security classification.