Report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons on HM Prison, Penninghame 1997

Response to HM Chief Inspectors report on HMP Penninghame

Statement by Secretary of State for Scotland

I am grateful to HM Chief Inspector for his report on HM Prison Penninghame.

Since the Inspectorate’s visit a full risk assessment of the night patrol staffing has taken place. That assessment confirmed that there is a need for a second post during the night patrol period. The Governor has therefore temporarily allocated another officer to night duty from within the establishment’s present staffing complement. The post will be filled on a substantive basis as soon as possible.

I am pleased at the Chief Inspector’s endorsement of the Scottish Prison Service’s review of the entry criteria for Penninghame which aims to ensure that Penninghame plays an effective part in the Scottish Prison Service. Open prisons should be challenging places where prisoners acquire a good habit of work, and have every opportunity to practise the kind of behaviour which will keep them out of trouble on release. I particularly welcome the Chief Inspector’s recognition of the comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with drug abuse.

13 March 1997