It's Time for a Credible & Coherent Prison Policy

Commenting on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) report which showed that more than 10% of inmates at Barlinnie prison in Glasgow were serving time for failing to pay fines of less than £300 when the jail is regularly more than 40% overcrowded, SNP Shadow Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill MSP said it was time for a credible and coherent prison policy.

Mr MacAskill said:

"It's time for a credible and coherent prison policy that locks up dangerous offenders and deals with petty offenders in the community. Overcrowded prisons is a dangerous situation that threatens prison security and communities safety.

"Mr McConnell's governments lack of vision is clearly failing to address the reoffending crisis and its crime policies are in meltdown.

"Instead of filling our prisons with minor offenders and building private prisons that cost the tax payer millions, an SNP Government will ensure that prisons are used to detain dangerous criminals and punish serious offences."

ENDS