Stevenson Comments on Prison Inspector's Annual Report

Commenting on the publication of the Chief Inspector of Prisons Annual report this week, local MSP and Shadow Deputy Justice Minister Stewart Stevenson said that it comes as no surprise that there has been little improvement due to the blight of slopping out and prison governor’s budgets being cut.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“We have just learned that there are a record number of prisoners in our jails. So it is no surprise that HM Chief Inspector Andrew McLennan is saying that prison officers and prisoners agree that over-crowding is the number one issue in prison.

“But with slopping out still a blight on our prisons and governors’ budgets being cut it is no surprise that we see no improvement.

“One area where we can make a short term improvement for society is in the area of prisoners with drug habits. Many users only end up in prison because they cannot get a place on rehab programs.

“And those that come out with their addiction controlled through what the Inspector describes as ‘an impressive range of interventions’ often return to their chaotic lifestyles because no arrangements have been put in place for continuing treatment after release.

“It is time for real progress. The Inspector’s report repeats many of last year’s criticisms. We cannot have another year like this.

“On Peterhead Prison specifically, the cut in the Governor's budget will make it difficult to provide adequate support for the programs for which Peterhead is justly famous. Holiday periods must also be better resourced so that prisoners are not simply locked up for long periods doing nothing productive to address their behaviour.

“Ending slopping out is a priority and we must have early indication of when planning for Peterhead's new facilities will start. All in all, this report makes a compelling case once again for a new-build facility for Peterhead Prison.”