The amount of illegal drugs being smuggled into Perth Prison remains “a cause for concern,” according to a report on the maximum-security jail.
In his report, Chief Inspector of Prisons Brigadier Hugh Monro said almost a third of prisoners test positive for substances at the end of their sentences.
The figure in line with other Scottish jails is one of the few negatives in an otherwise positive report.
Mr Monro said, “The number of prisoners testing positive for illegal substances on liberation is far too high at 28%.
“This figure suggests, among other things, that illegal drugs are being smuggled into Perth Prison and this is a cause for concern.
“What we need to do with Perth is analyse it further and we will come back next year and follow up on the inspection.”
He praised staff and in-prison programmes for the reduction in addiction levels, as 89% of prisoners test positive for illegal substances on admission.
However, he added, “The issue of where they are getting drugs from is one that has to be looked at very closely.”
Prison governor Mick Stoney said, “Eight or nine out of 10 are coming in with substances in their systems and three in 10 are leaving with them but that is a very crude measure.
“We are looking at a more psychological approach to reduce demand for drugs and we have a range of measures to address these issues from one-to-one to group sessions.
“We are performing as well as any other prison, if not better, and the figures are low for a transient population which opens up additional routes (for drugs to enter the system).
Mr Stoney was otherwise pleased with what he called a “positive report (which) reflects how well the staff are performing.”
Mr Monro said the prison is “very well led and managed” with a “unity of effort” among staff, which leads to a “very positive” effect on the prisoners and a “particularly good” staff/ prisoner relationship.Good practiceHe said, “Perth has many examples of good practice: good living conditions, excellent visit facilities including the visitor centre and contacts with family and friends, good opportunities to participate in education and work and excellent healthcare facilities.
“Overall this is a positive report particularly given all of the disruption caused by the building works.”
He highlighted the inadequate state of the Friarton young offenders’ wing, now mothballed, and said the cell areas at Perth and Dundee sheriff courts are “poor.”
He also noted concerns that bunk beds had been constructed in the new C-Hall cells designed only for one person, but Mr Stoney said these would be used only in a situation of extreme overcrowding nationwide.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said, “We are pleased with the HMCIP’s report and the finding that Perth is well led with staff and management contributing to a safe prison where staff-prisoner relationships are very good.
After unveiling his report, Mr Monro visited the prison’s brickworks, which he held up as an example of the work being done both to rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them for release.