Kenny MacAskill: Looking again at the role of the open prison estate

Published on Wednesday 1 October 2008 22:45

I HAVE apologised to Robert Foye's victim in person for the shortcomings within our prison system that allowed him to put her though such a harrowing ordeal. We shouldn't lose sight of the full responsibility that Foye alone bears for this crime.

We have learned lessons as a Government and there has been a detailed review of this case by Scottish Prison Service. The recommendations are being taken forward as a matter of urgency with all the key recommendations in place.

There is also now a clear presumption against returning a prisoner to the open estate if they have previously absconded.

The independent Prisons Commission was also asked to look at the role of the open prison estate as part of its wider review of the purpose of prison in a contemporary Scotland.

The Commission recognised that the open estate is an integral part of the rehabilitative process. The report made a number of helpful observations about the operation and processes attaching to the open prison estate that we are now considering as a priority.

The open estate will continue to play an integral part of the rehabilitation progress. It can play a valuable role in assessing individuals prior to their eventual release back into the community. Controlled community access is an important way of assessing how individuals will react when finally released from custody.

Many thousands of prisoners use the opportunity of access to the community via the open Estate to begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

The transfer of prisoners to these facilities only happens following a risk assessment which now involves more stringent scrutiny of individuals prior to progressing to Open conditions.

Latest prison population statistics show that although our prisons are still suffering from overcrowding, the open estate is only three-quarters full, providing concrete proof that it isn't being used to relieve the pressure caused by overcrowding.

While we are looking to turn lives around through prevention, early intervention and true rehabilitation we will be ever vigilant with a small but dangerous few. I expect the public to be protected from violent, sexual and serious and organised criminals. Those who do offend will face the consequences of their actions – and prison will play a major part of that. Prison will always be needed for serious and dangerous offenders.

&#149 Kenny MacAskill is the Scottish justice secretary.