Despite undergoing an £82 million redevelopment and ending the archaic practice of slopping out, Perth Prison has been criticised for having two inmates still sharing a single cell.
The report on the prison that is officially released was drawn up by David Strang, HM chief inspector of prisons for Scotland, and it details how cells in B Hall are “extremely cramped” and how prisoners spoke “negatively” about lack of space.
In addition, Mr Strang highlighted that healthcare provision for older prisoners who have chronic/long-term conditions is “not adequate” and that the capacity for healthcare staff to deliver interventions is also limited.
He also said Perth Prison is “reasonably effective” at dealing with violence but stated that information-sharing relating to this needs to be improved.
In addition, Mr Strang highlighted that some prisoners were unaware that jackets were available to use in the event of inclement weather during their time spent in the “open air” at Perth Prison.
Mr Strang said the understands an action plan is being put in place to address issues he raised.
Of the matter of two inmates using a cell, he said: “During the inspection, two prisoners were routinely being held in single-occupancy cells in B Hall.
“While there were adequate beds, chairs and worktop areas for each prisoner, these cells were extremely cramped and didn’t provide prisoners with enough room to move around in.
“Prisoners located in these cells commented negatively in relation to both the physical conditions and the lack of personal space afforded them.”
Mr Strang said relationships between staff and prisoners was observed to be positive and praised the visitor centre.
“The visitor centre was well run and I was particularly impressed with the Thrive Early Years Change Fund Public Social Partnership, which operates in the prison to support families with children under the age of five who are impacted by parental imprisonment.”
The prison inspection took place from December 1-12, when it was established there were 626 inmates. This consisted of 480 sentenced adult male prisoners, 105 untried male prisoners, one sentenced young offender, eight recall life sentence male prisoners and 32 convicted males awaiting sentence.
Coincidentally, Fraser Munro, governor of Perth Prison, leaves today for a new role in the prison service in Edinburgh.