Three female prison officers has been sent on leave while authorities investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a male inmate at His Majesty’s Prison.

Prison Superintendent Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather confirmed that the matter has been referred to the prison’s disciplinary committee and is expected to be heard next week.

Pennyfeather declined to disclose the precise nature of the alleged conduct, stressing that the disciplinary process is still underway.

According to the superintendent, the alleged conduct involved both the officer’s behaviour and communications with the inmate.

He said prison authorities are handling the matter in accordance with the law and the regulations governing the institution.

“The conduct that is expected of an officer was not being realised,” Pennyfeather said. “If an officer behaves in a manner that is in total disregard of the laws and regulations governing their employment, disciplinary measures must be taken.”

The superintendent said the alleged activity occurred over several weeks, and possibly months, before prison authorities uncovered it.

He declined to say how prison management learned of the matter.

Pennyfeather stressed that any inappropriate relationship or interaction between an officer and an inmate represents more than a breach of professional standards, as it can create serious security concerns within the penal institution.

“It becomes a security concern, and it erodes the whole fabric of the security and safety of the prison,” he said.

The female officer remains off duty pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.

No finding of wrongdoing has yet been made, and the officer will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the disciplinary committee.