Prison officers today signed an agreement with Government marking “the way forward” for the Island’s Department of Corrections.At a press conference held this afternoon Attorney General Michael Scott said an “independent, comprehensive review” of the department would start immediately.The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) threatened industrial action earlier this month, saying members were concerned about dealing with people convicted of serious crimes.Said Mr Scott: “The POA body met yesterday and they accepted the terms and conditions put forwarded by the Government on moving the Bermuda Department of Corrections in a new direction. The vote was taken and it was carried unanimously.“The number one agreed to action is the immediate start of an independent comprehensive review of the Department of Corrections with the aim of producing a five-year strategic plan to assess, clarify and direct the department mandate with respect to all aspects of policy, leadership management, operations, infrastructure and legislative reform.”The idea was to create a plan that clearly addressed “current concerns [and examined] present trends and practices”, Mr Scott said.“You will note that underlying the POA's and the Government's decision to reset the course and direction of Corrections are health and safety concerns conditions of work for officers and staff of Corrections including infrastructure repairs improvements and enhancements to all Corrections facilities. Again these measures and actions are supported by the Commissioner and his management team and are necessary so that Corrections officers and inmate populations are safe and secure.”