The Prison Service has instituted new policies concerning the handcuffing of prisoners outside prison walls.

Commissioner Edward Dyer on Monday confirmed that prisoners -- depending on the prisoner and the charges -- would be handcuffed once they leave any of the respective prisons.

"Yes, we're stepping up security,'' Mr. Dyer said. "We are doing this to offer protection to the public and staff. It is something that we do in any risk situation.'' He added: "It depends on their demeanour or the nature of the offence and type of person. The decision is taken prior to the prisoner leaving the facility.'' And Mr. Dyer confirmed the move came after there was an inquiry into an incident in which a convicted bank robber -- fresh from being sentenced to 30-years in jail -- threw a hairbrush at a Royal Gazette photographer.

Mr. Dyer further explained the new directive does not mean that all prisoners will be in the restraints at all times.

Royal Gazette reporters in Magistrates' and Supreme Courts this week have seen prisoners wearing handcuffs as they appeared for a variety of court hearings.

Eight prisoners were cuffed in four ways; with their arms in front of them, behind their backs, restrained to their waists, and or with ankle cuffs.

One man who will not be released from prison until January 2001, and was in court for owing several hundred dollars, had his hands cuffed in front of him.

Another man, facing trial soon on break and entering charges, was wearing remand prisoner orange and his hands were chained to his waist.

On Monday only one man had his hands freed during a court appearance, and was heard to say to officers: "You can take this thing off my waist. Guys can still do damage. What they going to do? Handcuff our feet when somebody gets kicked?'' Yesterday, one prisoner had his hands free but was restrained by ankle cuffs while inside a courtroom.

Last autumn, then Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess said: "There are clear procedures that must be followed when a prisoner is transferred from prison to court. Having investigated these, I am satisfied they are thorough and complete.'' He added. "Unfortunately and to my great concern, they were not followed on September 25. It is certainly a lesson that has been brought clearly home to the prison guards in question.'' Officers were disciplined in the wake of the incident.

When contacted yesterday, a Police service spokeswoman said prisoners in Police custody would have their restraints -- if it was necessary for them to have them -- removed once inside a courtroom.