Digital prison officer gives virtual view of life in jails in Laois and elsewhere

A new virtual online tour aims to give the public and others an understanding of daily life behind jails in Laois and other parts of Ireland.

The Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan launched what's described as a new "web-based innovative tool" that allows visitors, service users, and the public to see inside an Irish prison, guided by a digitally created prison officer.

His Department said this project aims to increase public understanding of how prisons in Portlaoise and elsewhere function and operate day-to-day.

A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live explained that the virtual tool provides users with overlaid audio-visual information on what to expect at a Prison. The project's scope was to develop "360° tours" in one Irish Prison Service location.

It explained that the primary objective was to deliver an informative and educational virtual tour that broadens public understanding while strictly safeguarding all security-sensitive aspects of the prison.

The Department said every detail is "carefully curated" to ensure that no confidential or operational security information was compromised. Additionally, it said the tour is designed to "ease visitor apprehension" by providing a realistic yet controlled preview of the prison environment, fostering awareness without jeopardising internal security protocols.

It is also claimed that the tour will provide "an intuitive and straightforward user journey" that reduces the complexity of navigating the physical prison space. The tour has been prepared as a high-quality "engaging and informative". MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Midlands Prison Portlaoise.

The Department also adds that the priority is to approach the project with "user-experience, accessibility, and content ensuring that the virtual tour serves as a bridge between the IPS and the community it serves".

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said he was pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour.

"This innovative project will greatly enhance the public’s understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace, he said.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, praised those who have worked on the project.

"I wish to commend all those involved in delivering the Virtual Tour, an innovative and informative project that highlights the professionalism and dedication of our staff across the prison estate.

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"These initiatives are key steps in strengthening public understanding of our work and attracting committed individuals to a challenging yet rewarding career.”

A statement said the virtual tour initiative arose from discussions with stakeholders from the Department of Justice on the Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022 – 2024.

It said one of the strategic pillars within the strategy document was increasing public understanding of the various stakeholders or sections within the wider Department of Justice. The Prison Service was tasked with identifying a mechanism to increase public awareness and understanding of the Irish Prison System.

To access the tour go to the Irish Prison Service website at https://www.irishprisons.ie/