Scotland faces a crisis as prison deaths surge, raising urgent concerns about inmate safety and government inaction
Scotland: It’s been a tough time for prisons in Scotland, with a shocking rise in deaths behind bars. Over 50 inmates have died this year alone, and that’s a big jump from last year.
The Scottish Prison Service reported that 53 prisoners lost their lives up to mid-December, which is 13 more than the previous year. This brings the total to 422 deaths since 2013. It’s a serious issue that’s got a lot of folks worried.
Liam Kerr, the shadow justice secretary, is calling out the Scottish Government for not doing enough. He says they’ve known about this crisis for years but haven’t taken the right steps to fix it. It’s frustrating to see lives being lost when there are solutions out there.
He pointed out that prison officers are struggling with violence and drug problems, and they need more support. The government seems out of touch with what’s really happening in these facilities.
To make matters worse, 477 inmates were released early to help with overcrowding, which often exceeds 8,300. Sadly, at least six prisoners took their own lives this year, and another seven died from overdoses.
There are still five deaths that haven’t been explained, and ten more from October to December are also without a cause. It’s a worrying trend, especially since many of these deaths happen shortly after inmates arrive.
For instance, Edwin Rose died just a day after being admitted to Loss Moss prison. It’s heartbreaking to think about how vulnerable these individuals are during their first days in custody.
Emma Jardine from the Howard League for Penal Reform mentioned that the time right after admission is particularly risky. The uncertainty of being on remand adds even more stress, making it a tough situation for many.
While the Scottish Prison Service has plans for a new mental health strategy, it’s hard to see how it can work under the current conditions. There are long waiting lists for mental health help, and many inmates are at risk, especially those new to prison.
Data shows that 28 of the prisoners who died this year were under 50, with the youngest being just 17. The Scottish Human Rights Commission has criticized the government for not taking action to protect these lives.
They released a report highlighting the slow progress in addressing issues like overcrowding and mental health. It’s frustrating to see that recommendations made decades ago still haven’t been put into action.
The SPS has noted an increase in deaths from natural causes, especially among older inmates who need more care. They’re planning a summit to discuss how to improve health and prevent deaths in custody.
A spokesperson emphasized that the health and wellbeing of inmates is a priority, and they’re working on implementing recommendations from an independent review.
The Scottish Government also stated that ensuring the safety and mental health of those in custody is a top priority. They’re collaborating with various partners to address these critical issues.
