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'What are you, a nurse or a prison governor?'

For the first time, cameras are allowed in to see Maghaberry’s controversial unit that houses the most violent and vulnerable prisoners. It exposes the daily dangers for staff.

The prison calls it the Care and Supervision Unit. The prisoners call it The Block and claim it is a place of punishment. But the CSU is in many ways a prison within a prison. It’s a place to hold the most violent and vulnerable men, people who pose a danger to themselves and others. Never before have cameras been allowed in while the unit has been operational. But after weeks of asking, Stephen is finally shown around the CSU by Maghaberry’s governor David Savage. There, he discovers the true extent of mental health problems faced by some in the cells. He questions prison management about claims of abuse made by prisoners who have been held there.

Throughout Maghaberry, the scale of self-harm is particularly concerning and difficult for prison officers to address. We meet one prisoner the staff are currently trying to help - an arsonist looking beyond the end of his sentence. But what life is waiting for him once he gets out? Barry recognises that the outside world could pose more challenges for him than inside, because at least in Maghaberry he has structure and support.

1 month left to watch

29 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Series Producer Austen Irwin
Director Austen Irwin
Executive Producer Mary McKeagney
Executive Producer Chris Buckler

Broadcasts

  • Mon 2 Oct 2023 22:40
  • Tue 3 Oct 2023 22:00
  • Tue 31 Oct 2023 22:00