Chapter 6 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS and other SUGGESTIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A 'Flag' is placed on the PR2 computer system for 'Absconder/Escaper' and that whenever relevant information is identified or received or an event occurs the 'Flag' is activated. [3.18 - 3.20]
2. Before the final decision is made to transfer to open conditions the prisoner record file(s) are reviewed. [3.21 - 3.22 ]
3. Where the Governor or Deputy Governor does not chair the MDPMG, the agreement for transfer to Open conditions becomes a recommendation which goes to the Governor or Deputy Governor for approval and signing. This is not a decision that can be delegated further down. In relation to Recommendation (2) above it is also my view that the Governor or Deputy Governor when being asked to confirm a transfer to Open conditions additionally reviews the case file to assure themselves that the prisoner is appropriate for transfer to Open conditions and there is nothing known about him or her which would preclude their access to the community. [3.23 - 3.25]
4. A Police Liaison Officer attends the MDPMG meeting and provides the Police intelligence input to decision making. [3.26 - 3.27]
5. Input either in person (by the police and/or the relevant criminal justice social worker) or by tabling of the External Enquiry Form and Home Background Report be made mandatory before a case considering transfer to Open conditions can be discussed. [3.29]
6. Research should be undertaken to determine the efficacy of Open prison, its benefits and the most effective time for transfer of prisoners to open conditions. [4.7]
7. Long Term Prisoners are eligible to access Open conditions too early in their sentence. Long Term Prisoners should not be eligible to be transferred to Open prison any earlier than 1 year before their Parole Qualification Date [4.9 - 4.11]
8. Open prison be restricted for use only by Long Term Prisoners. [4.13 - 4.15]
9. SPS should produce a 'preparation for Open prison' package which can be delivered to prisoners before their transfer.[5.4]
FOR ACTION
No mention was made, nor apparently cognisance taken, of the police intelligence. This information was available to security and residential staff and was not brought to the attention of the MDPG or its Chairman at HMP Shotts. It will be for SPS to consider what course of action is required over this matter. [3.7 - 3.15]
SUGGESTIONS
(a) It is important that SPS's records are as comprehensive as possible and that they include the Trial Judge's Report where available. [3.30]
(b) SPS should simplify and standardise use of terminology, forms and meetings [3.31] (and similarly) SPS should review the range of meetings to consider progress, risk and assessments and see if it can simplify the process [5.6]
(c) HDC is already available from closed prison, and consideration should be given to look at the policy and decide whether it should be extended to a broader range of STPs. Indeed, HDC already provides through electronic monitoring greater control over offenders than when on extended home leave. There could also be consideration of the requirement for work, training, or 'community payback' while on periods of HDC. [4.15]
(d) GPS tagging be considered for Long Term Prisoners in Open conditions [4.18]
(e) MAPPA arrangements are commenced before relevant offenders are transferred to open conditions. [4.19]
(f) SPS should look at ways of encouraging a 'culture of consultation' and also use the Head of Residential meeting for developmental purposes. [5.3]