Report on HM Prison Shotts

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland 1998

ANNEX 6 - Information for Visitors

HM PRISON SHOTTS

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

The following information is intended to relieve some of the stresses associated with prison visiting. If any problems arise from your visit to Shotts please do not hesitate to speak to any member of staff who will put you in touch with one of our Family Contact Development Officers (FCDO).

In case of an emergency you can telephone the Prison and a message will be passed on.

Prisoners cannot be called directly.

WHERE IS SHOTTS PRISON?

The Prison is situated approximately 1½ miles outside the town of Shotts. It is landmarked by a large white water tower.

The easiest way to approach Shotts is via the M8 leaving the motorway at Junction 5. From there the prison is well signposted.

IS THERE CAR PARKING FACILITIES?

Yes. Visitors may use the main car park outside the prison.

Visitors are requested to leave excess baggage or foodstuffs in their vehicles. There is also easy access for any disabled visitors.

I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A CAR!

• Trains depart from both Edinburgh and Glasgow to Shotts station. For further information you should call Scotrail passenger enquiries on 0345-484950.
• "Kelvin Central" and "Eastern Scottish" both run a bus service but unfortunately only go to Shotts town. Other private companies do drop off nearer the Prison. Taxis are also available from the town of Shotts. Cost is approximately £2.40 for one single journey. The following are the relevant telephone numbers.

   

  Taxi	820125 822679
  Kelvin Central	(01698) 263575
  Eastern Scottish Livingston	(01506) 430291
  Eastern Scottish St Andrews Sq, Edinburgh - Citylink to Harthill Services	(0131) 663 9233
  Strathclyde Transport	(0141) 226 4826
  SACRO also operate a mini bus service. For further information call:-
  SACRO Glasgow	(0141) 248 1763
  SACRO Lothian	(0131) 668 1091
  or speak to The Duty Family Contact Officer

HOW MANY VISITS AM I ALLOWED?

The number of visits allowed depends on a prisoner's location within Shotts.

On his arrival he will be located in 'A' Hall but will have the opportunity to progress to 'C' Hall.

We also operate a quality visit system where in 'B', 'C' and 'D' Halls, one of the monthly allocated visit allowance can be taken for up to 2 hours between 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm Monday-Thursday in 'A' Hall. This facility is available once very 3 months.

There are no afternoon visits on Fridays.

Visit Times: Monday to Friday 1 hour between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm

Saturday and Sunday 1 hour between 1.30 pm and 4.00 pm

Please note that when the Visit Room is exceptionally busy a delay may occur.

HOW MANY VISITORS IS HE ALLOWED?

Prisoners can have a maximum of 3 named adult visitors plus children (under 16 years of age) at any one visit.

DO I NEED A VISIT PASS?

No. Shotts visits' booking system is now computerised. Prisoners book their visits then contact you with a date and time.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY ARRIVAL?

You will be met by an Officer upon entry to the prison who will have a list of all visits taking place. If your visit is not listed, you will be referred to The Duty Family Contact Officer. Once your visit is confirmed you will be offered a locker to secure any baggage. You are not permitted to take bags, food, pushchairs or baby seats into the Visit Room. Baby seats are available in the Visit Room on request.

You will be asked to place your jacket or coat along with the contents of your pocket on the tray, which will pass through the x-ray machine. You will then be asked to walk through the metal detector machine prior to entering the waiting room. You may also be subjected to random purse checks. You will be shown to the Reception area where with appropriate authorisation you can hand in property. This must be done prior to the visit taking place.

WHAT CAN I BRING HIM?

The following is a list of all items prisoners are allowed in use. He will send you a proform prior to your visit listing the approved items. The proform must be handed to the Reception Officer on your arrival. Please note that only the items listed on the proform can be accepted. ONLY ONE PROFORM WILL BE ACCEPTED PER VISIT.

CAN I HAND MONEY IN?

Yes. Money should be handed to the Reception Officer who will issue you with receipt. THIS SHOULD BE DONE PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT.

TOILET FACILITIES

There are male, female and disabled toilet facilities located in the Visitors' Waiting Room. There are baby changing facilities in the female toilets.

WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN?

During visits on the evening of Thursday, Friday and afternoons of Saturday and Sunday a creche is available which is staffed by full qualified Child Minders. The creche is located in the Visit Room and can be used by children between the ages of 2 and 12. It must, however, be pointed out that visitors are responsible for their children at all times. There are also high chairs and baby seats available in the Visit Room.

During Quality Visits (afternoons) a selection of children's videos are available.

AM I ABLE TO PURCHASE REFRESHMENTS?

Yes - There are vending machines located within the Visit Room. Dispensing hot/cold drinks and snacks. From a Thursday evening until Sunday afternoon the WRVS (Woman Royal Voluntary Service) operate a canteen facility where filled rolls, tea and coffee can be purchased.

WE VALUE YOUR OPINION!

At Shotts we are constantly seeking to identify new ways of improving our visiting facilities for both adults and children. Should you have any ideas or suggestions during or after your visit, please feel free to approach any member of staff or the Family Contact Development Officer who is located in the Visitors' Waiting Room.

WE HOPE TO HELP YOU HAVE A MORE RELAXED AND ENJOYABLE VISIT.

CAN I OBTAIN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS

TRAVELLING COSTS?

Yes. If you are a close relative and in receipt of either Income Support or Family Credit, or you are on a very low income you may be entitled to claim travelling expenses for 2 visits every month.

Application forms and further information are available from the Duty FCDO or writing to:

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

We hope that information contained in these notes has helped you. If however, you have any additional problems or difficulties with your visit please speak to a member of staff who will refer you to the Family Contact Development Officer (FCDO). The FCDO is located in an office in the Visitors' Waiting Room and his role specifically relates to the provision of assistance to visitors to the prison.

WHAT IS FCDO?

FAMILY CONTACT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The FCDO is available, at all visit times, in the Visitors' Waiting Room. He is there to answer any enquiries you may have about:

• Travel to/from the prison
• The prison routine
• The person you are visiting
• Benefit Agencies
• Assisted Prison Visits
• General enquiries or Informal chat

If you have a complaint to make about the prison or your treatment while you are here. You can write to the FCDO, addressing the letter to: "FCDO" HM Prison Shotts, Lanarkshire ML7 4LE or telephone between 1.00 pm and 3.50 pm and 6.00 pm and 8.30 pm Monday to Friday (01501) 824032. You can also, of course, write direct to the Governor in Charge.

IS THERE ANYBODY I CAN CALL FOR SUPPORT?

Yes. All the following Agencies offer family support.

IS THERE ANY OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION?

If this is a new experience for you and your family then you may find the following phone numbers of some use:

If accommodation is required the following are available locally:

Newhouse Travel Inn
Glasgow Road
Newhouse
MOTHERWELL
ML1 5SY

Tel (01698) 860277

£36.50 per room (not per person)
£3.45 continental breakfast
£5.45 cooked breakfast

Room capacity: 2 adults2 children (under 16)

Station Hotel
92 Station Road
SHOTTS

Tel (01501) 820352

£18 Bed and Breakfast, ensuite facilities
£21 Bed and Breakfast, evening meal, ensuite facilities
All per person

£15 Bed and Breakfast, ordinary room
£21 Bed and Breakfast, evening meal, ordinary room

All per person

[Prices correct at the time of Publishing]

NOTICE TO ALL VISITORS TO HM PRISON SHOTTS

The Governor of HM Prison Shotts has a responsibility to ensure security procedures employed within the establishment are of the highest standard. The standards are in place to protect the safety of prisoners and staff and the open visits.

In order to comply with Scottish Prison Service policies and our own anti-drug strategy we have introduced drug detection procedures involving the use of new technology. The purpose of this equipment will be to screen, at random, visitors who wish admission to HM Prison Shotts for any reason. The unit is capable of detecting whether or not an individual has come into contact with drugs within a certain timescale and will detect the volume handled. The unit will add to the continued use of drug detection dogs and camera supervision of visits.

In the event of a person producing a positive result this will lead to a request to participate in a rub down searched, similar to an airport search or to a closed visit, being refused admission to the establishment, or the police being called.

We wish to protect the open visits as do the majority of visitors and prisoners. The use of this technology will only affect a small number of people persistent in their intent to smuggle drugs in Shotts.

We will keep any inconvenience to a minimum. We count on your co-operation in our aim to enhance the quality of your visit and to reduce the smuggling of illegal drugs.

Help us to help you protect what is valuable to you - your open visit.

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