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Scottish Prisons Complaints Commission
28/08/2007
The Scottish Prisons Complaints Commission has today published its Annual Report examining the concerns of prisoners in Scotland.
The report catalogues the number of complaints received, the nature of the complaints and how those which fell within the Commission's competence were dealt with. It also provides sample cases where the Commission was successful in helping to resolve complaints and where its formal recommendation was accepted.
Observations are also made by the Commissioner on the many influences that have impacted on prison life in Scotland in recent years.
Summary of report:
- The Commission received 403 complaints this year, of which 298 were held to be within its jurisdiction
- Conciliation was achieved in 145 of these complaints
- 32 complaints were withdrawn by prisoners before the Commission completed its investigations, the majority as a result of solutions agreed between prisoners and SPS staff
- Subject matter of complaints ranges from prisoner location and health and safety to the canteen and prison visits
Complaints Commissioner Vaughan Barrett said:
"As well as fulfilling its primary function of reviewing and investigating those prisoner complaints that remain unresolved after the internal complaints system of the Scottish Prison Service has been exhausted, the Commission welcomed opportunities this year to be proactive in contributing to stability within Scotland's prisons.
"The challenges met by our staff this year reminded us of the importance of remaining flexible in our approach to complaints handling and of the significant role that we play in helping to defuse hostilities.
"The Commission remains convinced that defining its remit and authority in an Act of the legislature would greatly enhance the effectiveness of its operations and confirm its place in the mosaic of Scotland's scrutiny bodies."