The Government is reporting progress on corrections reform, as the Ministry of Justice moves from planning to delivery across the Department of Corrections.
To reinforce that work, Mr Russ Crooks, Head of the International Liaison Team with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in the United Kingdom, has returned to Bermuda to provide direct, hands-on support.
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Mr Crooks met with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, David Roberts, to review progress and assist with the practical measures now being put in place across the Department of Corrections, including the staff profiling exercise, workforce planning and the wider action plan for reform.
His return reflects the Government’s continued focus on addressing longstanding concerns at the Westgate Correctional facility and ensuring that the Review Panel’s findings lead to measurable operational change.
The Review Panel Report, tabled in the Senate in May by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, identified 75 recommendations covering the treatment of inmates, living conditions, activities and rehabilitation, and detainee management.
The Government has accepted the recommendations and established a Post-Inspection Action Plan assigning responsibility, target dates and evidential requirements for each area of work.
Mr Crooks previously visited Bermuda to provide direct assistance to the Ministry and the Department of Corrections as the action plan was being developed.
His latest visit is focused on implementation, including helping to align staffing arrangements with operational requirements and supporting the Department as it progresses the recommendations contained in the report and a recently completed staff profiling review.
As part of the continuing partnership, Mr Crooks is also meeting virtually with the Commissioner of Corrections every two weeks to provide guidance, review progress and help maintain momentum across the reform programme.
Strengthening leadership and stability within the Department is a priority of the reform programme, and steps are being taken to reinforce the senior team and support officers on the ground.
The staff profiling exercise is intended to provide a clearer assessment of the Department’s workforce, including whether staff roles, responsibilities and deployment are properly aligned with the operational needs of Bermuda’s correctional facilities.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, stated: “Mr Crooks’ return shows that the work arising from the Review Panel Report is moving forward in a practical and structured way.
“We are bringing in the right expertise to support the Department, strengthen its operations and ensure that the recommendations result in real change.”
The Minister added: “The Government has been clear that the longstanding challenges at Westgate require sustained attention and accountability.
“This work is focused on improving safety for officers, conditions and care for inmates, and the overall management of the correctional system.”
The independent panel assessed Westgate Correctional Facility, the Co-Educational Facility and the Farm against the Overseas Territories Detention Standards Framework.
Photo caption: Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, Mr David Roberts, meets with Mr Russ Crooks, Head of the International Liaison Team with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, on Tuesday, during his latest visit to Bermuda in support of the Government’s corrections reform programme.
