This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Kilmarnock prison report published
16/12/2003
"Since the last inspection the Kilmarnock prisoner population has increased, resulting in the further doubling-up of short term and remand prisoners", Scotland's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Andrew McLellan said today on publication of his HMCIP report.
The report on Kilmarnock prison, which describes a follow up inspection in August, draws attention to increased numbers and staffing issues. But it also notes progress in a number of areas, including the development of a new Throughcare Centre, the provision of programmes to address offending behaviour, and improvements in tackling addictions.
Dr McLellan said:
"A number of Short Term and Remand prisoners are now sharing cells as a result of higher prisoner numbers. This has been well managed and the prison has taken on new staff to deal with increased prisoner numbers. However, there is still a lack of access to facilities and opportunities for remand prisoners. Despite the sharing of some cells, conditions are good in Kilmarnock.
"It is encouraging to report improvements in dealing with drug addiction, offending behaviour and throughcare. "I am also pleased to report that efforts to reduce the levels of prisoner-on-prisoner violence have been successful. There had also been no escapes since the last inspection.
"Kilmarnock staff continue to present a positive approach and culture of problem solving. Staffing levels have increased to cope with the higher number of prisoners being held. However, staff turnover continues to be high, and staff were sometimes absent from the wings to carry out other duties.
"Arrangements for Sentence Management were patchy and the Personal Officer Scheme was not yet operating effectively.
"The increase in prisoner numbers has created some difficulties in accessing work, programmes, education and the gymnasium and it is pleasing to see the clear efforts being made to address this. The timetable has been extended in the gymnasium, some SQA accredited activities are being undertaken, the range of education courses has increased and the Adult Learning Centre was flexible in its provision and made every effort to meet prisoners' needs.
"Despite the pressures created by increased prisoner numbers major progress and achievements have been made in Kilmarnock. Staff are to be commended for their continued positive approach to their work.
Scotland's prisons are subject to regular inspection. A full inspection normally takes place every three years and examines all aspects of the establishment. Follow up inspections are carried out in years where a full inspection does not take place and these examine points of note raised in previous inspections, examine significant changes since then, and explore issues arising from the establishment'' own assessment of itself.
The inspection of Kilmarnock was a follow up inspection with a focus on conditions in which prisoners live and on the way prisoners are treated.