Former PSNI chief superintendent appointed Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

Darrin Jones, who has just completed 32 years in policing, took up office on Friday (November 1) for a term of three years.

The Prisoner Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints from prisoners and visitors, as well as deaths in custody in Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the appointment was made following an open competition.

She 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.”

Ms Long said Mr Jones has had “extensive operational experience in a challenging environment and commanded both Derry city and Strabane and Belfast at the rank of chief superintendent”.

He has successfully delivered numerous significant events and incidents with human rights, procedural fairness and objectivity applied consistently throughout his planning and delivery.

As Police Service of Northern Ireland 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 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.

He is a graduate of University of Ulster and holds a post graduate diploma in Leadership from Queen’s University.