A total of 29 committee members attended the visit to learn about the new expansion of the facility as a valued part of the community.

JBT president Tony Butt said the general feedback of those attending was that it was an eye opener for many of the members.

"It definitely removed any fears of a maximum security prison being among the community, because you could see that it was almost safer to have that as opposed to minimum security," he said.

"We all came away thinking we are safe here which was really what the aim of the visit was, and it was a great opportunity."

The tour improved the understanding, opened lines for communication and removed any stigma attached to the dangers of maximum security prisons.