Lib Dems call for 'radical' prison service reform
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have called for radical reform of the prison service after the number of inmates who escaped, were incorrectly released or detained in error were revealed.
Justice spokesman Liam McArthur said public protection must be the top priority for the Scottish Prison Service.
In the past five years two prisoners have escaped from custody, both while on hospital escorts.
A further 34 incidents occurred involving prisoners being released or detained in error.
In relation to the latter incidents, the Scottish Prison Service said: `Our records indicate that these errors resulted from miscalculation of warrants, miscommunication by the courts, G4S and the Parole Board for Scotland.'
The figures were obtained by the Lib Dems through a freedom of information request.
Mr McArthur said: `While these incidents are few and far between they represent a threat to the wellbeing of prisoners and a risk to the public.
`Public protection must remain the top priority when it comes to transporting and releasing prisoners.
`However, risks need to be minimised and pressures alleviated across the prison system for the sake of the welfare, wellbeing and protection of staff and all those who are imprisoned.''
He claimed too many people are being sent to prison when more effective disposals are available, adding: `The potential for mistakes to be made is there.'
Mr McArthur continued: `It is time for radical and ambitious reform which reduces the pressure on the prison service, reduces reoffending and enables SPS staff to focus on engaging more with serious long-term offenders. Ending the use of ineffective short-term sentences is a good place to start.
`In the meantime, the Scottish Government has a responsibility to ensure that prisoner management systems are as robust as they can be.'
A Scottish Prison Service spokeswoman said: `Every year approximately 140,000 escorts take place, 30,000 warrants are processed and 10,000 convicted prisoners are released from custody. Whilst we are never complacent, the statistics show that these errors represent a very small proportion.
`All errors are reviewed internally.'
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: `The release and custody of prisoners is an operational matter for the Scottish Prison Service - we expect all errors to be treated extremely seriously, and note that this figure represents a very small percentage of the total number of warrants processed.'