13. GENERAL ASSESSMENT

13.1 Our formal inspection report in 1992 had concluded that there had been some much needed improvement at Longriggend, having been described in a previous report as being "a breeding ground for unsocial acts and criminal activities by its bored and apathetic prisoner population." Against that background we were encouraged by what we saw on our latest inspection. For example, a close scrutiny of the regime indicated that the basic routines were being met though efforts require to be made to improve the weekend visiting arrangements. We were pleased to note that the relationship between staff and all prisoners generally were good and staff are to be commended for their approachable and helpful manner towards the young men in their care.

13.2 It was clear that a considerable amount of positive work had been attempted in the recent past but a number of factors, including lack of continuity at senior management level, the loss of some key members of staff to other establishments and a high level of staff sickness, had all contributed to a situation which had impacted adversely on staff morale and had led to some disruption to remands routines. There had also been problems in providing appropriate staff training though that was about to be addressed. A new Governor was due to be appointed shortly after our inspection and we hope that more attention can be given to continuity at this level, despite the turbulence which is being experienced elsewhere in the SPS.

13.3 We were impressed by various elements of the regime, including physical education, the Social Work Unit and the contribution being made by the Learning Centre. However, we did consider that there was a lack of co-ordination and imagination in elements such as programme delivery and recreation. Longriggend has, in our view, a considerable responsibility (and opportunity) as the SPS entry point for a number of repeat offenders and it should be clearly recognised as such. Despite its short stay population and given the comparatively low remand numbers taken together with the apparently generous staffing complement, it appeared to us that much more constructive and stimulating activities should be introduced.

13.4 The Institution also has the responsibility to ensure the safety of a potentially vulnerable group of young men and its isolated location is a factor in this respect. It is also a factor which had been growing in significance, with the growing incidence of drug abuse and the subsequent withdrawal problems which have been taking an insidious hold on more and more individuals. It is against this background that we have identified the need for better and more assured family contact for the remands especially with regard to access to telephones and improved weekend visits. This should assist in reducing further incidents of self harm. In this respect there also needs to be greater co-ordination over detoxification protocols and we consider that a full time drug addictions worker would help greatly in this respect.

13.5 We also consider that the induction process requires to be more focused on aspects of maintaining family contact and identifying those who may have a drug problem. Opportunities to provide help in these matters may well be missed under the current arrangements and induction and subsequent involvement in the positive elements of the establishment’s routines should be a seamless process.

13.6 A list of recommendations and points of note for the Area Director and Governor-in-Charge are shown overleaf.