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4. NEW DEVELOPMENTS
4.1 Suicide Management Strategy
An audit procedure has been introduced to ensure that custody staff are checking prisoners as reported in the 'observation logs'. The check involves matching the time recorded on the logs to the CCTV images and the watchman night patrol print outs. A check of the High Risk Assessment ( HRA) minutes for this year demonstrates that meetings are held regularly, attendance at the meetings is good and appropriate attention is being paid to the safety of prisoners on HRA. The Listeners also reported positively on the support given by management to the HRA system although they sometimes have to see remand prisoners in the public area of the hall if the prisoner is in a double cell. The High Risk Assessment documentation now records when a prisoner is at court on a day when a case conference is scheduled. A prisoner's attendance at his case conference can still be dependent on whether or not an officer is available to escort him to the health centre.
4.2 Prisoner Disciplinary System
The number of disciplinary reports has fallen markedly since the last inspection.
4.3 Human Resources
There has been an increased emphasis on staff training in the past year. Facilities in the training area have been improved and the Investors in People award was achieved at the first attempt. There has also been a move to link training objectives to the strategic objectives of the prison.
There has been a focus on addressing staff absence, and this has now decreased significantly. This means that posts are more regularly and consistently covered.
4.4 Accommodation
Some prisoners had complained to staff and management that there was no guard fitted on top bunks. This had led to occasions when mattresses slipped and prisoners fell out of bed. The prison was in the process of fitting guards on all top bunks.
4.5 Safety and Security Developments
An internal security audit resulted in some changes to procedures and to security refresher training for all staff. There has also been an increase in staff and visitor searches to help stop prohibited items entering the prison.
The prison indicated that more proactive security activity had led to reduced bullying and intimidation in the wings, and data indicates that there has been a reduction in threats made to staff, drug and drug paraphernalia finds and the need physically to restrain prisoners.
A Staff Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy has also been introduced, the first of its kind in a Scottish prison.
4.6 Throughcare Centre
The Throughcare Centre at Kilmarnock is currently funded by a Lottery Fund grant. This funding is due to finish in April 2006. At present it is not clear how future provision of the Throughcare Centre will be met. It is important that this service is maintained.
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