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Polmont Young Offenders Institution
31/10/2007
Although slopping out has now ended at Polmont and every prisoner lives in good accommodation, some of the good work is being threatened by overcrowding, according to the latest report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons published today.
Dr Andrew McLellan's report, based on a full inspection in May this year, highlights that:
- The establishment is overcrowded and as a result prisoners are spending too much time in their cells
- As a result of overcrowding more and more young offenders are being reclassified as "adults" and transferred to adult establishments
- There is not enough food for young men
- Children under the age of 16 are still being sent to Polmont despite widespread opposition to the practice
The report also notes that:
- A major building project is underway and this is being managed very well
- Prisoners feel safe and relationships between staff and prisoners are very good
- Healthcare is very good
- Imaginative ways of dealing with violence within the establishment are being developed
Dr McLellan said:
"This inspection took place after the opening of a second new hall. Slopping out has now ended at Polmont and every prisoner lives in good accommodation.
"It is almost tragic, therefore, that the advantage gained for these young men by the opening of new halls is threatened by overcrowding. The two new halls are huge, yet they are not nearly big enough to hold all those who might expect to be in them. Indeed the question must now be asked whether or not it is realistic to seek to hold all convicted prisoners under the age of 21 at Polmont.
"As well as the new halls, Polmont has seen the building of two splendid new activity centres, which provide training facilities as good as anything to be found in the community.
"Two ways of dealing with the high numbers who are admitted to Polmont are unsatisfactory. More and more young men are being re-classified as "adults" and transferred to adult establishments. And more and more of those who remain in Polmont are sharing cells designed for one person.
"One of the worst consequences of overcrowding is that prisoners spend longer and longer periods of time locked in their cells. It is not unusual for a convicted young offender in Iona to spend as much as 20 hours in one day locked up in a cell for one person with a stranger. No matter how clean and bright the hall is, this is not a good recipe for tackling offending behaviour.
"Despite the difficulties which overcrowding place in the way of prison staff as well as in the way of prisoners, staff relate to prisoners extremely well. There was evidence of a high level of motivation among staff committed to helping the young men in their care. Staff at Polmont take pride in treating prisoners properly.
"It is normal during inspections for prisoners to complain most vigorously about healthcare. That was not the case in Polmont. No doubt some of the complaints in adult prisons are related to a desire of prisoners to produce a more accommodating attitude among health professionals to drug prescriptions. Healthcare in Polmont is very good. Arrangements to prevent self-harm and suicide are also good.
"Also very good are some opportunities to encourage young men convicted of crimes to reassess their lives and to develop new skills. "Constructs" which has replaced "cognitive Skills" has recently been introduced. The early signs are good. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Project has been commended previously in inspection reports; despite the reduction in staff time available to it, it still can provide a life-changing experience. The same can be said of a new Young Enterprise Scotland programme. An excellent pre-release course helps both in the practical and in the mental and psychological aspects of release into the community after a long period of detention.
"At the time of inspection there were two children under the age of 16 being held in Polmont. It is deeply regrettable that the detention of children held in Polmont in the last twelve months has continued despite widespread opposition to the practice: a practice which should stop.
"Food has been a problem in Polmont for a long time and continues to be so. The problem of portion size remains, although more meat is provided within the portions; and the problems associated with transportation have got worse. The amount of fruit and vegetables provided has increased slightly but still falls well short of five pieces per day. On the other hand chips, which suffer more than most foodstuffs from being kept for a long time in a heated trolley, are served every day."
Today's report relates to a full inspection of Polmont Young Offenders Institution, with a focus on the conditions in which prisoners live and on the way prisoners are treated.