Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland is required to inspect the 16 prison establishments throughout Scotland in order to examine the treatment of, and the conditions for prisoners.
The Chief Inspector produces an Annual Report which is presented to the Scottish Ministers and laid before Parliament.
The Chief Inspector also undertakes inspections of legalised police cells. These are cells in a number of police stations, usually distant from a prison, where prisoners may legally be held for short periods while awaiting trial or immediately after conviction.
The Chief Inspector has responsibility for the inspection of the treatment of and conditions for prisoners under escort.