THE governor of Dartmoor Prison, John Lawrence, is to leave his post, it was announced this week. Prison officers say they are 'stunned' by the news.
A spokesman from the governor's office said Mr Lawrence would be following advice to take a long break on health grounds, but he had disclosed he would not be returning to the prison.
John Lawrence has been governor of Dartmoor Prison since 1994 and was previously deputy governor.
Trevor Horn, chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, said his members were shocked and stunned by the suddenness of Mr Lawrence's departure, and were sad to see him go.
'This leaves the staff confused and demoralised. Our role in the meantime, awaiting re-roling to category C status, is not clear to us,' said Mr Horn.
'With 28 prison officers short of our complement of 180 the regime is being affected at Dartmoor and two landings on C wing have been temporarily closed due to our members' concerns regarding unsafe working practices on a daily basis being carried out, and we wait local discussions with management.'
A temporary governor, Graham Johnson, will take up the post on Monday June 18.
Mr Johnson was previously deputy governor of the young offenders' institute, Guys Marsh in Shaftesbury, Dorset. He is currently area projects manager and has worked closely on the details of the re-categorisation project for Dartmoor.
John Burnett, the newly re-elected MP for West Devon and Torridge, said that throughout his time in Parliament he had liaised with Mr Lawrence and knew that being governor was a demanding job.
'I would like to pay tribute to the work done by John Lawrence. I believe he has been an exemplary governor and has run the prison extremely well,' he said.
The news came in the same week that Mr Burnett had expressed concerns over the proposed downgrading of the prison.
Mr Burnett had a meeting with Jerry Petherick, South West area director of the prison service, and Mr Lawrence on Monday, after which he met representatives of the prison officers' association.
He was reassured by Mr Petherick that the drive to reduce the number of prison officers would not result in the unjustified recategorisation of prisoners downwards.
'I am anxious that the current excellent government, management and staffing will not be compromised by any changes, and that the very high standards of cleanliness and supervision will not suffer,' said Mr Burnett.
The downgrade from category B to category C would result in more rehabilition opportunities, but it was important to maintain proper manning levels.
Mr Burnett added: 'It is important that the dog team stays at the prison to control the drug situation and because the prison is unique because of its isolated position and misty weather.'
The MP will meet prison officers again tomorrow (Friday), when they will present their concerns in writing, following which he will meet the management consulting team which is currently at the prison.