Delays "endemic" in prisoner transfers - report

Inspectorate says service working but criticises holding conditions at court

News, 6 September 2007

The overwhelming majority of prisoner escorts to and from courts are managed without incident, but delays are endemic and the conditions in which prisoners are held in court cells are very variable, with some being extremely poor, according to a report published today.

The report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons is based on a comprehensive inspection of the conditions and treatment of prisoners under escort, between June and October last year.

It notes that the logistics of escorting prisoners around Scotland are complex, and have grown considerably since the Reliance Custodial Service contract commenced, but finds that most escorts are managed without incident or difficulty of any kind.

However the report also reveals that prisoners are frequently absent from prison for eight hours, and in some cases up to 12 hours, for a court hearing that may last only a few minutes. They may have to be kept in the escort vans for extended periods and miss their meal at the prison by the time they are returned.

It recognises that Reliance want their vans to run when as full as possible, but calls for action on all sides to address the problems caused by delay.

Conditions under which prisoners are kept in court cells are criticised as very variable, with some being extremely poor, and facilities for defence agents to interview prisoners are "unacceptable".

The report also finds a number of information, safety and risk management issues that call for attention, and an issue over children sometimes being delivered to prison late at night when it is difficult for staff to adequately address their needs. Some who are destined for social work facilities are being required to spend a night in prison because they cannot reach their intended destination.

The report can be read on the Scottish Government website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/Prisons/17208/NewPage .