Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the appointment of Darrin Jones as the new Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
The Prisoner Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints from prisoners and visitors, as well as deaths in custody in Northern Ireland.
The appointment was made following an open competition and Mr Jones will take up office on 1 November 2024 for a term of three years.
Darrin Jones has just completed 32 years in policing, gaining extensive operational experience in a challenging environment and commanded both Derry city and Strabane and Belfast at the rank of Chief Superintendent.
As PSNI business and maritime lead, he has experience of effective collaboration and strategic stakeholder engagement. Throughout his career, he continually championed community policing and accredited community based restorative justice practice.
He was awarded the King’s Police Medal for exemplary service in the King’s birthday honours of 2023.
Ms Long said: “I would like to congratulate Darrin on his appointment as Prisoner Ombudsman. The Ombudsman plays a key role in the criminal justice system, ensuring independent and impartial investigation of eligible complaints and deaths in custody, instilling confidence in our prison system, and I wish him every success in this challenging role.
“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, who was appointed Interim Prisoner Ombudsman while the process for a new appointment for a substantive Prisoner Ombudsman was undertaken.
“With her support, the important work of the Prisoner Ombudsman’s Office continued until an appointment could be made.”