Update on Scottish Prisons (Thread)

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Prison population has fallen by 500 in just over two weeks to approx 7,500

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Scot Prisons seem to be bucking trend (including in prisons in E&W) -numbers needing to self-isolate reducing. Now at 60 (previously above 100). Some thinking why:

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Fewer prisoners coming into estate, visits suspended, strict adherence to public health guidance on self-isolation, good stocks of PPE.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Suspension of visit clearly being felt amongst prisoners. Rapidly working to find technological solution, will have update next week

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Work being done now to increase numbers on HDC confident this can & will be done

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Powers for Emergency Release passed on Wed, regulations being drafted to exclude certain categories (such as Sex Offenders).

Work with partners on practicalities vital (accommodation etc)

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="▪️" title="Black small square" aria-label="Emoji: Black small square">Work proactively being done to identify those who are serving sentences of 12months or less & nearing end of their sentence - again excluding certain categories

Emergency Release powers (as name suggests) will only be used if absolutely critical. Robust risk assessments vital.

Let me thank Prison Officers & Staff for the herculean effort they are putting in to help keep our establishments operating safely. Also thank those in our care who have shown great degree of understanding.

To families outside we know times are anxious, will keep updates coming.