NCJ Number
163704
Date Published
1996
Length
87 pages
Annotation
In addition to providing information and data on the Scottish Prison Service's general operations for 1995-96, this annual report provides information on what is happening in each of Scotland's 22 correctional facilities.
Abstract
The mission of the Scottish Prison Service is to keep in custody those committed by the courts, to maintain good order in each prison, to care for inmates humanely, and to provide inmates with a range of opportunities to exercise personal responsibility and to prepare for release. Information for each facility encompasses targets for ongoing work in 1995-96 and key initiatives, along with progress achieved toward targets and initiatives. Inmate populations continued at a high level. Secure custody remains the Service's top priority, as is reflected in the fact that security targets were again met. For the second year in succession there was no major prison disorder or hostage- taking. The significant increase in assaults by inmates on other inmates is a matter of concern, and steps are being taken to address this. Random mandatory drug testing was introduced in Edinburgh and Cornton Vale prisons in the last quarter of the year. At management and operational levels, a major program of retention and recruitment supported the introduction of the new staffing structure, and phase three of works market testing was completed, with a number of maintenance contracts assumed by the private sector. A new performance management system, in line with the Government's objectives on performance-related pay, was launched on a pilot basis. The new computerized inmate records system was extended to all prisons; and a computerized financial system, which will support accruals accounting and the Service's cost efficiency objectives, was installed. The cost per inmate decreased for the second year in succession. Appended tabular data