The ‘prison of choice’ for sex offenders

A COMPREHENSIVE strategy for dealing with sex offenders in Scotland’s prisons must be made a priority, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons has warned.

Brigadier Hugh Monro said Dumfries prison had become the “prison of choice” for long-term sex offenders who denied their crimes and did not engage in rehabilitation programmes.

In comments after an inspection of the jail, he said the lack of intervention and limited testing posed “a significant risk” upon their eventual release.

Brigadier Monro said: “Dumfries is a well-run prison, with highly experienced and dedicated staff delivering to a high standard, despite this being a difficult prison to manage with its outdated infrastructure and a highly complex mix of prisoners.

“I am concerned that Dumfries has become the ‘prison of choice’ for those long-term sex offenders who have been moved from HMP Peterhead for refusing to admit their guilt and, as a result, do not engage in rehabilitation programmes.

“I believe this lack of intervention, combined with their limited testing in less secure conditions, poses a significant risk upon their release.”

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: “The SPS is in the process of implementing and delivering an evidence-based interventions policy that will provide a broad spectrum of support aimed at addressing the individual risks and needs of every prisoner.”