The Home Affairs Ministry has hired a consultant to study the Island's prisons.

Management consultant Morais Wallen arrived on the Island just before the Cup Match holiday to begin a six week contract, said Permanent Secretary Robert Horton.

Mr. Horton said Dr. Wallen, the president of an Ontario, Canada-based management consultant firm, is conducting a needs assessment of the Corrections Department and will produce a "comprehensive correctional management strategy".

"This study will provide a framework in assisting us in forging a new direction for the correctional services," Mr. Horton said.

He declined to say how much the contract was worth.

Dr. Wallen's work here involves talking to prisoners, their families, service providers and Prison officers, he added.