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Greenock Prison report
11/07/2007
One hall in Greenock prison has nearly double the number of prisoners it was built for, according to the latest report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons published today.
Dr Andrew McLellan's report, based on a follow up inspection of HMP Greenock in March this year, highlights the following:
- The prison suffers from high overcrowding, as a result of which prisoners in 'A' Hall spend too much time locked in their cells
- The high overcrowding and rapid turnover of prisoners makes it almost impossible to maintain an acceptable standard of furniture and decoration
- Toilets in cells, including cells in which prisoners are sharing, are not enclosed
However, the report also notes:
- Despite high overcrowding, a good standard of food, staff and prisoner relationships, and family contact has been maintained
- The arrangements for healthcare have improved significantly
Dr McLellan said:
"Greenock prison is a good illustration of what overcrowding means. Darroch hall and Chrisswell House have no overcrowding; while Ailsa Hall has nearly double the number of prisoners it was built for. Almost all prisoners in Ailsa share a cell.
"A similar picture emerges in a number of prisons across the SPS: overcrowding is not spread evenly, but is concentrated in a few halls in a few prisons, where its effects are disproportionate.
"Greenock prison also reflects prisons across Scotland in the evidence that it provides about the irresistible rise in numbers. Because overcrowding now seems to be a permanent feature of a number of prisons, the expectations of prisoners and staff alike become accustomed to the limitations overcrowding brings.
"It is much to the credit of all who work in Greenock that the damage done by overcrowding is not greater than it actually is. Although the overcrowding is located in one hall the effects of it are felt throughout the management of the whole prison, and access to facilities and opportunities for prisoners in the other two halls are reduced. Yet the prison manages to remain safe, to provide good arrangements for family contact, and to serve food which is among the best in Scotland's prisons.
"One consequence for Greenock prison, as for all overcrowded prisons, is that far too many prisoners spend far too much time locked in their cells. While they are locked in their cells they are not taking the steps they could be taking towards preparing for release. Another consequence is that in a hall where overcrowding occurs it almost always happens that the furniture falls into disrepair and the cells become shabby. This is because of the rapid turnover and the impossibility of finding cells empty for long enough to improve them.
"Despite these difficulties, many of the concerns raised in the last inspection report have been dealt with. The most serious criticism contained in the last report was about the arrangements for healthcare. Since then, there has been a significant improvement."
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 the year following a full inspection and these examine points of note raised in previous inspections, examine significant changes since then, and explore issues arising from the establishment's own assessment of itself.
Today's report relates to a follow up inspection of Greenock prison, with a focus on conditions in which prisoners live and on the way prisoners are treated.