This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Kilmarnock Prison
09/03/2006
Most matters raised in the last Kilmarnock Prison inspection report have been dealt with satisfactorily according to the Chief Inspector of Prisons latest report published today.
Dr Andrew McLellan's report, based on a follow up inspection in November 2005, notes that every prisoner group interviewed said that they felt safe in the prison, and that the anti-suicide strategy was competent and thorough.
The report welcomes the fact that a number of issues raised in last year's report have been addressed providing:
- More proactive security activity resulting in reduced bullying and intimidation in the wings
- a reduction in threats made to staff
- an increase in drug interceptions
- New or extended addiction services including one-to-one work, a drop-in clinic and a family information service
- Better integration of sentence management and throughcare following the creation of a strategic steering group
However, the report also highlights:
- There are few opportunities for useful activity for remand prisoners
- The funding of the Throughcare Centre finishes in 2006
Dr McLellan said:
"This follow-up report welcomes the fact that attention has been paid to issues raised in the last full inspection. The activity of the addiction staff is now more clearly focused and directed. Improvements have been made to prisoner escort systems within the prison. There is also evidence of more consistency in induction and better integration of sentence management and throughcare.
"There is still not enough for remand prisoners to do. It is good that they spend significant periods of each day out of their cells, but there are few opportunities for useful activity for them. Some additional educational provision has been made. However, a remand prisoner's day is still an empty, boring experience.
"The Throughcare Centre is now well established. There was evidence from prisoners of its importance in making useful links with the community before release. The consolidation and extension of those links is important for public safety, as well as for the welfare of prisoners. However, the funding of the Throughcare Centre in Kilmarnock finishes in 2006. It is important that the operation of the Centre is maintained.
"At around the time of the last full inspection of Kilmarnock, concern was expressed about the anti-suicide procedures in place in the prison. The full inspection did not provide evidence to support this concern. Nevertheless this current inspection paid close attention to anti-suicide measures. The current inspection report provides evidence of a strategy which is competent and thorough. Every prisoner group interviewed said that they felt safe in the prison."