Lib Dems reveal dangerous overcrowding in young offenders institutions (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems reveal dangerous overcrowding in young offenders institutions

March 18, 2009 4:35 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown has revealed that half of Scotland's young offenders institutions have been dangerously overcrowded for the last 14 months.

Answers to Parliamentary Questions reveal that the design capacity for Greenock Darroch Hall is 57, with the assessed operational limit as 54. The design capacity and assessed operational limit for Perth Friarton Hall is 89.

Further answers reveal that both institutions have been operating well above safe limits for the past 14 months.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"These figures are disturbing. Half of Scotland's young offenders institutions have been seriously overcrowded for over a year now.

"We know that 85 per cent of young offenders serving time in Scotland's prisons have previous convictions. Tackling overcrowding is key to ending this revolving door policy.

"Prison needs to be about more than just punishment. Officials need time to tackle the root causes of offending like poor skills.

"This chronic overcrowding in Darroch Hall and Friarton Hall will make it difficult for these young offenders to be properly rehabilitated. The Justice Secretary needs to make sure that tackling prison overcrowding, particularly in young offenders institutions becomes a priority."