Prisons

Independent Review of the Response to Deaths in Prison Custody

On 30/11/21 HMIPS, Families Outside and SHRC published the Independent Review of the Response to Deaths in Prison Custody. It contained a great number of recommendations under the following 5 themes: Family contact with the prison and involvement in care; Policies and processes after a death; Family contact and support following a death; Support for staff and other people held in prison after a death; and SPS and NHS documentation concerning deaths. Its key recommendation was “that a separate independent investigation should be          undertaken into each death in prison custody. This should be carried out by a body wholly independent of the Scottish Ministers, the SPS or the private prison operator, and the NHS.”

HMIPS Annual Report 2020-2021

On 02/11/21 HMIPS published its Annual Report 2020- 2021, advising that overcrowding, social isolation, an ageing estate, access to purposeful and rehabilitative activity, the numbers on remand, the high prevalence of mentally unwell people, the backlog in offending behaviour work and access to consistent health remained “highly problematic”. It noted human rights entitlement of access to fresh air was routinely compromised during COVID-19 outbreaks and that “IPMs continued to receive multiple requests regarding perceived barriers to        progression from prisoners. These concerned the suspension of offending behaviour programmes, delays in temporary release applications and general queries related to risk management decisions and integrated case management processes”.

HMIPS Health and Well-Being Pre-Inspection Survey

On 28/10/21 28/10/21 HMIPS published a health and wellbeing pre-inspection survey that was piloted on the under 18 population in HMP YOI Polmont. It was developed with CYCPS and CYCJ and is going be further developed for the adult population as a pilot in 2022. Despite the very small sample, there appeared to be some encouraging results around perceptions of safety and support. However, there were some serious concerns around the lack of time out of cell, close to the definition of solitary confinement, and insufficient access to rehabilitative activity opportunities.

HMIPS Liaison Visit to HMP Greenock

On 29 July 2021, HMIPS published a report on its Liaison Visit to HMP Greenock. It made a number of criticisms, many of which were related to the ageing building and its leaking roof; lack of accessible cells; and progression, specifically lack of opportunities, backlog of paperwork and unsatisfactory slow processes.

HMIPS Liaison Visit to HMP Castle Huntly

On 27 July 2021, HMIPS published a report on its Liaison Visit to HMP Castle Huntly. Its criticisms focused on the need for substantial modernisation and improvement to the accommodation blocks and the need for more single cells. It also pushed for the reintroduction of communal dining.

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