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13.1 We found very few concerns of a statutory nature regarding the day to day operation of HMP Kilmarnock. Overall, a most promising start had been made, with much achieved in the first year of operation, despite the fact that the vast majority of staff had never previously worked in a prison. Great credit is due to them, local management and those elements of the SPS who have assisted in the start up phase and ongoing operation.
13.2 A most noteworthy feature of this prison, which was frequently remarked upon by prisoners, was the willing and helpful approach adopted by the staff. Prisoners said they were treated with more respect than they had been in other prisons in Scotland. The refreshing, 'can do' attitude and commitment shown by staff also impressed us. However, we would caution against possible exploitation and conditioning of staff by the more manipulative and experienced prisoners.
13.3 The processes and systems for gathering, collating and presenting a wide range of information on performance and trends were excellent. We found ourselves asking when the SPS might deploy a similar approach more widely.
13.4 It is probably true to say that, because of the nature of its occupants, no prison can ever be described as totally safe. Nevertheless, we were encouraged to find a generally relaxed atmosphere and low levels of prisoner on prisoner violence. In this respect, it compares favourably with other prisons of a similar size and role, although the number of misconduct reports was very high.
13.5 An apparent suicide had taken place just before our inspection but we were generally satisfied with the prison's anti-suicide strategy, together with the further development of a co-ordinated approach to mental health issues. Similarly, we were impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm encountered in the Health Centre, although the poor layout is not conducive to communication or good observation. The turnover of nurses in the first year has also been particularly high and more staff continuity is needed in this area.
13.6 On the issue of staff safety, concerns were expressed about specific areas, including parts of the Health Centre and staffing levels in the Houseblocks and it was disappointing to note that there had been four serious assaults on staff during the year 1999-2000. We noted that single Officers were sometimes supervising large numbers of prisoners and were not always able to see what was going on. The fourth staff attendance pattern in a year was about to be introduced and it is hoped that this will provide some improvement in working conditions and better continuity of staffing.
13.7 A number of issues regarding H & S were raised direct with senior management.
13.8 As would be expected of an establishment that had been in operation for only a year, we found the prison to be clean and tidy.
13.9 We were pleased to find that general conditions for prisoners were decent throughout, with remand prisoners enjoying standards of accommodation that were appropriate to their legal status.
13.10 We were, however, disappointed with the facilities for staff, which compared unfavourably with nearly every other establishment in the SPS.
13.11 The prison has sound physical security systems in place, which has meant that there had been no escapes to date. The main aspect of the operation of this new prison that requires to be addressed relates to challenging offending behaviour. We found that there were relatively high levels of drug taking in the prison and were disappointed that the anti-drug strategy lacked the necessary co-ordination and integration. Mandatory drug testing was under-resourced when compared to elsewhere in the SPS and was operating in isolation. This constrained its effectiveness both as a deterrent to drug misuse and as a support to drug rehabilitation efforts in the prison. There is an obvious need for suspicion tests to be carried out timeously and much wider use of frequent test programmes. Generally, tackling drug misuse requires a far more cohesive and strategic approach.
13.12 More training and involvement of staff in sentence planning is also required and more could be done to involve prisoner families. Also, the lack of Custody plans for remand prisoners was a missed opportunity. Whilst there were good quality staff in the social work unit, we found that they were insufficient in number to meet contractual obligations and National Standards. A number of issues about accommodation and safe interview arrangements also need to be addressed.
13.13 We were told that there had been initial difficulties in finding sufficient work for prisoners. We were pleased to find that during our inspection, a range of high quality work was available in the worksheds, together with commensurately high wages. It was apparent, however, that not all prisoners were fully occupied.
13.14 There is a very real danger of 'siltage' and stagnation, especially as far as LTPs are concerned. A number of prisoners said they did not wish to 'progress' on to SPS establishments where wages are lower, conditions are generally less attractive and families would be required to travel further to visit them. This has local implications for good order and control and is an issue that the SPS needs to solve within the wider context of preparing prisoners for release and management of the prisons estate.
13.15 Following an initial, turbulent period, HMP Kilmarnock has settled quickly and is enjoying a period of stability, due to a combination of generally sound preparation, co-operation with other parts of the SPS and a great deal of hard work and determination. The threshold quality of life for prisoners, including remands and those on protection, is high and prisoners have generally responded positively to this new situation.
13.16 In addition, a number of lessons can be learned from the operating procedures at this establishment, not least the clarity of purpose provided by operating to an agreed specification and the development of processes to demonstrate compliance. We also found a large number of examples of best practice, which may reflect a more focussed and flexible approach.
13.17 However, the delivery of a range of regime options to address offending behaviour and tackle drug misuse in particular, are amongst the major issues that now need to be addressed in order that the prison contributes more effectively to crime reduction. Finally, if sufficient resources are put in place, Scotland's first privately managed prison can expect to present further serious challenges to other SPS establishments.
13.18 A list of recommendations, points of note and items of good practice are shown overleaf.
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