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5. THE FORMAT OF THE STANDARDS
It has already been demonstrated that the standards which the Chief Inspector applies when inspecting prisons are not a matter of subjective opinion but have an objective basis. The Chief Inspector is not concerned primarily by the processes through which things are done. Instead he is concerned with outcomes, that is, what is achieved by the way Scottish prisons carry out their responsibilities.
The standards are presented in three separate sections. This division is not watertight; for example, healthcare is a matter which has great importance in all three sections and could be located in any of them; and many other matters dealt with in one section have relevance to the other two.
The three sections are:
- Safety
Security, good order, protection of prisoners from harm.
- Decency, humanity and respect for legal rights
All aspects of the treatment of prisoners and the framework of rights within which imprisonment should operate.
- Opportunities for self-improvement and access to services and activities
The activities provided by the prison, the ethos, measures taken to solve the problems that led the prisoner into crime, preparation for release and social reintegration.
In each of these sections general principles are described and individual outcomes defined. The individual standards which will lead to the required outcomes are listed. Finally, a set of indicators to measure delivery of the standards is provided.
In developing this model, account has been taken of international and national case law and of the recommendations of intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental committees and bodies although in many cases they are not referred to directly.
A total of nine outcomes are identified:
- Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that individual prisoners are protected from harm by themselves and others
- Prisoners are treated with respect for their dignity while being escorted to and from prison, in prison and while under escort in any location
- Prisoners are held in conditions that provide the basic necessities of life and health, including adequate air, light, water, exercise in the fresh air, food, bedding and clothing
- Prisoners are treated with respect by prison staff
- Good contact with family and friends is maintained
- Prisoners' entitlements are accorded them in all circumstances without their facing difficulty
- Prisoners take part in activities that educate, develop skills and personal qualities and prepare them for life outside prison
- Healthcare is provided to the same standard as in the community outside prison, available in response to need, with a full range of preventive services, promoting continuity with health services outside prison
- Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that prisoners are reintegrated safely into the community and where possible into a situation less likely to lead to further crime
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