Prison’s deputy governor praised for 30-year service

Prison’s deputy governor praised for 30-year service

Now deputy prison governor, Nick Watkins first joined the service in September 1988, having previously worked at Ronez quarry.

‘Within two hours on my first day I was labouring again, digging trenches to help with the installation of new perimeter security measures,’ he said describing the start of his career at La Moye Prison.

Over that time, Mr Watkins has continued to get stuck in, working in all areas of the prison and rising steadily through the ranks before taking on the role of deputy governor in 2014.

A married father-of-two, he has previously been awarded the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and the Prison Service’s Long Service and Good Conduct medal for his work.

His accomplishments include working with the team to set up the vulnerable persons unit and introducing digital technology to the service.

He was also involved with the development of an electric locking system that has now been deployed in other prisons.

‘I have enjoyed some great times during my career and learned so much from the people I have come into contact with, and I still continue to learn,’ Mr Watkins said.

‘The best thing about my team, which is not limited to uniformed officers but also includes support staff and civil servants, is the people. We are all different but have a shared interest in looking after people and helping them break their offending behaviour.

‘I do believe that life’s experiences and situations influence the path we tread and the choices we make. Sometimes it just takes a little effort to help someone get back onto the right path.’

And he praised his colleagues at the prison, saying the service was full of ‘great people’ and that it benefited from the support of business partners and other organisations.

Prison governor Nick Cameron said the Island should be proud to ‘have such a dedicated, loyal and hardworking civil servant’.

‘On behalf of all SoJPS staff, I congratulate him and thank him for his service to Jersey,’ Mr Cameron said.

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