The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is an Agency of the Scottish Government and was established in April 1993. Its policies and resources are determined by Scottish Ministers and SPS operates to an operating framework setting them out. It is funded by the Scottish Government from its Resource Account.

The SPS is legally required to deliver custodial services for all those sent to it by the courts. Its purpose is to maintain secure custody and good order within prisons, whilst caring for prisoners with humanity and delivering opportunities which give the best chance to reduce re-offending once a prisoner returns to the community.

The agency runs 13 publicly-run prisons and manages 2 private sector providers under contract arrangements which are closely monitored. The establishment at Cornton Vale contains female prisoners and young offenders. In addition young offenders are held at Polmont. 

A Central Stores facility at Fauldhouse buys, stores and issues materials required for the smooth running of Scotland’s prisons.

In March 2009 there were just over 4,000 staff in post in the SPS.  In 2009 222 new staff were appointed (92 males and 130 females). The organisation is dedicated to staff training and operates its own training college in Polmont and a newly established training centre at Fauldhouse.  In 2009 there were over 15,000 training days for staff.

The values of the Scottish Prison Service are:

• integrity, frankness, and honesty in dealing with people;
• fairness and justice, respecting the needs and rights of prisoners and staff;
• mutual support, encouraging teamwork and commitment;
• caring for the safety and wellbeing of prisoners and staff;
•  and openness about our aspirations, our successes and our failures, coupled with the willingness to learn.

Prisoner numbers in Scotland reached a record high in July 2009 with over 8,200 in custody and over 380 on Home Detention Curfews.

Nevertheless the performance of SPS staff was excellent and dedicated to performing well against its targets.  2.3 million offender development hours were delivered and there were more than 90,000 hours of approved programmes.16,000 prisoners achieved qualifications and substantially improved their literacy levels.

The Scottish Government has demonstrated its confidence in the SPS by announcing record funding of £120 million a year capital programme to improve the prison estate in Scotland. New prisons have been announced as HMP Grampian in the North East and HMP Low Moss at Bishopbriggs.  In addition, a major programme has seen refurbishment and re-build at the prisons in Edinburgh, Perth, Glenochil and Polmont. Currently HMP Shotts is under-going a rebuild.

The work and commitment of SPS staff have a key role to play in contributing to a “Safer Scotland” and is more visible than ever.

As the former Chief Executive of the SPS, Mike Ewart, stated in the SPS annual report –  “The years achievements are a tribute to SPS staff, Governors and Senior Managers”

Prison officers are highly skilled professionals. The role is wide ranging but always focused on working with people.

There are two levels of prison officer roles in the SPS.  All Officers are recruited as Operations Officer; Residential Officer is a promoted position after successful completion of probationary period.

responsible for the maintenance of security and good order

safe and secure supervision of prisoners

positive and caring approach towards prisoners ensuring their needs and entitlements are met.

maintenance of security and good order within residential areas

working effectively with prisoners

processing all prisoner complaints

positive and caring approach towards prisoners ensuring their needs and entitlements are met.

Working as an integral part of a team, staff are responsible for gate duties, reception of visitors, control and supervision of prisoners, supervision of visits, prisoner escort, providing prisoner information, monitoring security systems, contractor security and patrol duties.

The role of a Prison Officer in the SPS is wide ranging of areas and requires a range of skills summed up as:

• Positive thinkers with humanity and common sense.
• People from all backgrounds with the ambition to have a really worthwhile career.
• Men and women between the ages of 18-63.