HMIP Report on HM Unit

Shotts 1998

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 An inspection of HM Unit Shotts was carried out on 11-12 November and 10 December 1998. The last formal inspection of the Unit took place during the period 6-16 February 1994 and had been combined with the formal inspection of HMP Shotts, partly to reflect the existence of the many shared services between the two establishments. Subsequent follow-up inspections of the Unit had been undertaken in 1995 and 1996. On this latest occasion, a separate inspection of HMP Shotts had recently been completed but had included a review of the arrangements for shared services with the Unit and HM National Induction Centre (NIC).

1.2 The inspection team for the Unit totalled four and included two guest inspectors, one of whom had recent experience as Governor I/C of a similar Unit – further details are contained at Annex A.

1.3 Generally, we were impressed with the improvements which had been brought about since our last visit in 1996, with the Unit now operating in a much more structured way.

1.4 In reading the report, it should be borne in mind that the annual cost per prisoner at HM Unit Shotts is £75,480.