Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

THE CASE FOR CHANGE
3.103 We agree with this analysis. However, we do not see this as a barrier. We
have received evidence from the Prison Service and the Prison Officers’ Association,
who attended the Inquiry together. They explained the arrangements which apply
to prison officers.
3.104 Prison officers have a number of the powers of constables and are also
subject to situations in their day to day work which can render them vulnerable to
allegations and complaints. They enjoy employment rights not available to police
officers and are employees and subject to ordinary disciplinary procedures. They no
longer have the right to strike but there is an agreement between the Prison Service
and the Prison Officers’ Association which provides a mechanism for resolving
industrial disputes.
3.105 We see no reason why a similar mechanism could not be devised to resolve
industrial disputes in the police service. Given that the right to withdraw labour
does not exist, it is imperative that there is a mechanism to resolve industrial
disputes.
We recommend that a procedure, involving conciliation and / or arbitration,
is devised to resolve industrial disputes in the police service.
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