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4. RESPECT
Relationships
4.1 Relationships between staff and prisoners are very good. This was observed in all areas of the prison and in PIAC meetings, and also described in prisoner focus groups and staff meetings. Ninety five percent of prisoners reported that relationships were OK or better in the SPS Prisoner Survey.
4.2 Staff wear name badges and address prisoners by their first name. No insulting nicknames were used.
Equality and Diversity
4.3 Eight foreign national prisoners were living in Kilmarnock on the first day of inspection. There were also two prisoners with identified physical special needs - one required a wheelchair, the other crutches.
4.4 The chaplain, who is a senior manager, visits foreign nationals within 24 hours of admission. The First Night in Custody Centre identifies needs and makes referrals. The "Signposter" prisoner also identifies some initial information and explains the induction process. Local policies are available to staff, and a Race Relations Group and a Foreign National Policy are in place. A Safer Custody Meeting takes place and there is a Diversity Group. There are notices in different languages in Reception.
4.5 There are no custody officers identified as Equality and Diversity Officers and it appears that the establishment responds in a reactive manner to foreign nationals who do not speak English as a first language, and to prisoners with other disabilities or special needs. No action plans or impact assessments were available. There was no use made of an equality questionnaire for prisoners nor of any policy which might provide a focus for the Diversity Group. It is recommended that a proactive approach to matters of equality and diversity is adopted.
Searching
4.6 Prisoners are searched prior to all movement within the prison, and also following specific intelligence led information; prior to entering and leaving the Visit Room; and prior to leaving the Reception area. The searching of prisoners is conducted in a thorough, sensitive and appropriate manner. Rub Down Searches and walk through metal detector portals are used in an attempt to prevent the movement of contraband around the establishment.
4.7 There were no recorded complaints about the searching process.
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