MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
News Release (086/08) issued by The Government News Network on 15
July 2008
Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II has approved the introduction of a Long Service and
Good Conduct Medal for prison officers.
The medal will be awarded to operational prison staff in England,
Wales and Northern Ireland on completion of 20 years of continuous
commendable service. This brings operational prison staff in line
with other comparable organisations such as the Police, Fire
Service, Ambulance Service and the Military, as well as other
prison and correctional services within the Commonwealth.
Prisons Minister David Hanson MP said:
"Operational prison officers do a difficult and dangerous
job and are a credit to the society that they serve. It is right
that they receive public recognition for this vital work.
"As the majority of prison staff conduct their work behind
closed doors what they do often goes unseen so opportunities for
them to be publicly rewarded are to be welcomed. Staff receiving
the medal will have shown commitment, courage and skill in the
tasks that they have carried out day to day for 20 years.
"With the awarding of this Long Service and Good Conduct
Medal I hope that prison officers will see that they are valued
and held in high regard by the community."
Notes to Editors:
1. The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal will be awarded to
operational Prison Service grades, including Governor grades.
2. The medal will be awarded to eligible staff in Prison Services
in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3. The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is currently
preparing the medal design and detailed eligibility criteria will
be formally agreed in due course.
4. The Criminal Justice System has a range of staff recognition
schemes and is currently accepting nominations for the annual
Justice Awards. More information is available at http://www.cjsonline.gov.uk/justiceawards.
http://www.justice.gov.uk
ENDS