SCOTLAND needs a “bold and brave transformational justice agenda” to cut the prison overcrowding that is stymieing the rehabilitation of inmates, according to a report published today.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland Wendy Sinclair-Giebenmade made the remarks in her sixth and final annual report, saying that changing criminal behaviours “cannot happen” with the present levels of overcrowding and underfunding in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

“The rise in remand, overcrowding, social isolation, an ageing estate, very limited access to purposeful and rehabilitative activity, the backlog in offending behaviour work, alcohol and substance issues, prisoner transport failures and inequitable access to good healthcare remain highly problematic across the estate,” she said. 

“A bold and brave transformational justice agenda could allow Scotland to reduce the prison population, affording the SPS the opportunity to deliver greater rehabilitative opportunities.

“Scotland does not lack a positive vision, but if current levels of resourcing and population remain static, containment rather than the vision for justice in Scotland will be the order of the day.”

Welcoming the report, an SPS spokesperson thanked Ms Sinclair-Giebenmade for her “constructive challenge,” adding: “We share the chief inspector’s ambition to go even further as we support rehabilitation, reduce the risk of reoffending and help support safer communities.”

SNP Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “We are taking action to deal with the pressures of a high and complex prison population, including the emergency release scheme approved by Parliament and a consultation on release arrangements for long-term prisoners.

“We are also working with the prison service, NHS and others to ensure the prison population has the same level of healthcare as is offered in the community.”