Prison Inspector Criticizes ‘Unacceptable’ Transport Conditions

A report has disclosed that deficiencies in the transportation of prisoners are leading to numerous inmates missing scheduled hospital visits and family funeral services. HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) stated that the human rights of incarcerated individuals were also in jeopardy of infringement because of “unacceptable” problems with transport. Transport provider GEOAmey attributed its performance challenges to “multiple complex issues,” which included a lack of personnel and a backlog of court cases stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspectorate has advised that more stringent requirements be implemented when the transportation contract is next offered for bidding. Furthermore, the report identified instances where prisoners experienced “excessively long” journeys, lacking provisions for toilet breaks, for brief court appearances. HMIPS issued strong criticism of GEOAmey due to almost daily cancellations of scheduled transport and put forward 25 recommendations aimed at enhancing services. The inspectorate indicated that these failures have also resulted in the inefficient use of NHS resources because of cancelled hospital appointments. This encompassed the transportation of prisoners for treatments such as cancer care or exploratory procedures. Additionally, the report documented that on 22 August, 29 individuals were conveyed from various correctional facilities to Glasgow Sheriff Court, only to be informed their presence was unnecessary. In a separate incident, a prisoner from Polmont Young Offenders Institution undertook a 95-mile (152 km) journey to Dumfries, arriving at 10:00 and returning at 02:00, following a court appearance lasting merely four minutes. A different prisoner was scheduled to be present at his father’s funeral at 10:30, but transportation delays caused him to be 90 minutes behind schedule, resulting in him missing the interment. Other incarcerated individuals recounted needing to use plastic bags for urination because of the absence of restroom breaks during extended trips. Stephen Sandham, the interim Chief Inspector for HMIPS, characterized the effect on prisoners’ health, wellbeing, and dignity as “unacceptable.” He stated that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and the Scottish government must collaborate to guarantee GEOAmey’s adherence to the revised conditions. As early as 2012, HMIPS had advised the adoption of digital video communication for external appointments and court proceedings. Mr Sandham remarked: “Our recommendation is that the justice system as a whole embraces virtual hearings and ensures that every journey is necessary and as short as possible.” He added: “Behind every prisoner transport journey is a human story and it is these stories that prompted us to shine a light on these issues.” Data published in August indicated that over 1,500 postponements in court proceedings resulted from the late arrival of individuals in custody. The report recognized that performance had “markedly improved” since the beginning of 2024. Additional recommendations encompass providing enhanced remuneration to sustain a consistent workforce and strengthening oversight within prisons. In July of the previous year, the Law Society of Scotland denounced the delays attributed to GEOAmey’s transport services as “disgraceful.” GEOAmey stated that the HMIPS report concentrated on a “very challenging post-covid period.” A spokesperson commented: “We take responsibility for our own failings whilst trying to service this contract through the post-covid period.” The spokesperson continued: “GEOAmey delivers services that focus on people, and we fully recognise and accept there is a human story behind every failure.” They added: “We again offer our sincere apologies to anyone impacted by the historic challenges we have faced.” GEOAmey was the only entity to submit a bid for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) transport contract when it was offered for tender in 2018. The SPS indicated its intention to “carefully consider” the recommendations put forth by HMIPS and provide a comprehensive response. It further stated: “While the recalibration of our contract with GEOAmey has led to improved staffing and performance we are not complacent and will continue to monitor the contract closely.” Justice secretary Angela Constance affirmed that the SPS would persist in “monitoring its performance.” She also commented: “Whilst there is clearly still room for improvement, HMIPS highlights the positive strides made by the Scottish government, the Scottish Prison Service and GEOAmey to improve compliance with the current contract.” Constance noted: “The Inspectorate acknowledges that performance has markedly improved throughout 2024.” She concluded: “The Scottish Prison Service is continuing to monitor the performance of the contract carefully to ensure we see a level of service which meets the needs of prisons, prisoners, and the wider justice sector.”