growing crisis of confidence within the ranks of the Island's beleaguered prison service.

The Minister said he planned to meet with prison officers to tell them their work remained vital to the community and that they were doing "a tremendous job.'' His comments came amid reports that officers, downhearted by controversy over poor prison security, were circulating a petition that in part demanded the Minister publicly support them.

Yesterday, Mr. Edness acknowledged that the criticisms, controversy and reviews on management of the prisons had caused disquiet among officers.

"I want it to be made clear that this community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of the prison service. They carry out a yeoman service.

"While all these reviews go on I want to assure them that their welfare has not been forgotten. All reviews going on very much have their welfare in mind.''