Report finds fear of violence at young offender’s institute limiting opportunities

Fears over violence at Polmont Young Offenders Institution has limited social activities there according to a new report.

Inspectors found a “widespread belief” that inmates “could not be trusted to behave responsibly” at HMYOI Polmont. The institution holds male offenders aged between 16 and 21.

A mere third were “engaged constructively” in day-to-day activities.

However, the report also found the relationship between offenders and staff had improved “appreciably” since the previous inspection.

David Strang, chief inspector of prisons for Scotland, said: “The concept of HMYOI Polmont as a learning environment is ambitious and progressive, and I would encourage a continuation in the development of this ethos.”

But he voiced concern about a “lack of engagement” in the opportunities for a number of the offenders.

The report stated: “For those who did take part, the positive benefits were very clear.

“Despite significant investment in the activities areas, it was disappointing to note that only just over a third of the population engaged constructively in daily activities.”

It noted: “The challenge for HMYOI Polmont is to create an environment which encourages young men to engage with the opportunities available for them.

“This needs to go beyond simply making the activities available on the timetable.”

Inspectors found an “overemphasis on security”, which negatively affected decisions on fresh air time, recreation and communal dining.

The report found activities were limited by a “fear or expectation that too many young men together would result in disorder or assaults.”

But Mr Strang noted an improvement in the staff-inmate relationship.

He said: “I would like to see the balance between these two elements redressed in a way that would encourage engagement and responsibility.

“It was surprising that during conversations with SPS staff, at all levels, the majority held view was that social interaction opportunities were limited because of the fear of interpersonal violence.

“Therefore extended periods of confinement to their cells was required in order to maintain good order and discipline.”

He added: “Without in any way compromising security and safety, HMYOI Polmont should seek to encourage the whole population to participate actively in more activities outwith their cells.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service told the BBC: “We do recognise that it is an issue that many of these young people have been involved in acts of violence.

“We have to address that and make sure that the environment we have in prison is safe for everybody.

“The team there are working to try and engage these young men in a variety of quite innovative ways.

“Looking at the report in its totality, the chief inspector recognises the progress that has been made.”