criminals away.

The officers will be trained to help offenders change their behaviour according to Bermuda Prison Service's Transition coordinator, Dr. Derrick Binns.

At a meeting of the Sandys Rotary Club, Dr. Binns revealed that the new prison at Dockyard will be the Island's first correctional facility. "Our focus now will be on providing opportunities for those in custody to change their behaviour, rather than simply holding them for the duration of their sentence and merely attempting to do something with them,'' he said.

"We plan to develop a comprehensive and integrated range of services which will focus on the way those in our custody think and perceive the world about them, which will encourage them to consider how they got where they are, and which will help them develop strategies for change.'' Services will include education, social-psychological services, religious, recreation, vocation, case management and health.

After assessment, individuals will be treated on a personal basis by specialist staff and uniformed officers.

"We anticipate that the role of a prison officer will be enhanced as a result of these changes. Prison officers will no longer be seen as persons who simply turn keys, but will become vital change agents,'' Dr. Binns said.

"We will provide training to our staff so that they will be able to deliver some of the services to be offered.'' The Prison Service has also published a Mission Statement which sets out its objectives.

"We believe that those in our custody have the potential to change. We believe that our staff are our greatest asset and they have the potential to bring about change,'' Dr. Binns said. "The end result of our Mission will be a more productive and positive citizen. That is our expected product.''