The Scottish Prison Service (SPS)

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS)

SPS Objectives:

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is guided by key objectives aimed at ensuring public safety, humane treatment of offenders, reducing re-offending and delivering value for taxpayers' money.

• Protecting the Public: Maintaining secure custody to prevent harm to the public.
• Humane Offender Care: Providing humane and dignified care for offenders, acknowledging their rights and well-being.
• Reducing Re-offending: Implementing measures and programs to address the root causes of offending behaviour and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
• Value for Money: Ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness to deliver value for taxpayers.

Scottish Prisons:

Scotland has a total of 15 prisons, each serving specific purposes:

HMP Perth:

• Holds a mix of long and short-term adult male offenders, including those serving life sentences and those on remand awaiting trial.

HMYOI Polmont:

• Young Offenders Institute for Offenders aged 16 to 21 years.

HMP Grampian, Perth, and Cornton Vale:

• Houses Young Offenders Institutes (YOIs).
• HMP Cornton Vale is Scotland's women-only prison, with plans for replacement and regional units.

Other Women Units:

• Edinburgh, Greenock, and Grampian have smaller units for women prisoners.

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The Scottish Prison Service (SPS)

HMP Castle Huntly:

• Scotland's only 'open prison' where low-risk, long-term offenders complete the final part of their sentence.

Private Operations:

• HMP Kilmarnock and HMP Addiewell are privately operated prisons.

Changes to Scottish Prison Life:

Historically punitive, modern Scottish prisons focus on education and rehabilitation. Key aspects include:

• Limited privacy and freedom for offenders.
• Stricter environments with various restrictions.
• Emphasis on education and rehabilitation, offering creative classes and writer-led programs.
• Encouragement of outside visitors to maintain connections.
• The goal is to equip offenders with knowledge and skills for successful reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of re-offending upon release.