Glasgow’s Barlinnie Prison is facing urgent closure due to overcrowding and infrastructure failures, according to governor Michael Stoney. The prison, designed to accommodate 987 prisoners, is currently housing just under 1,400 inmates, causing it to operate at 140% capacity. This has led to concerns about safety and human rights violations, as an inspection in 2020 found that the overcrowding could be in breach of UN agreements.
A state-of-the-art replacement prison was initially scheduled to open in 2025, but the deadline has now been extended to 2027. The new facility aims to alleviate the overcrowding issue by reducing the size of housing blocks from 30 to 20. Additionally, the replacement prison will include en-suite cells and football pitches. These improvements are expected to enhance the overall well-being of the inmates and contribute to a 20% reduction in recidivism through increased rehabilitation services.
The current prison, however, cannot withstand further delays, as the infrastructure continuously fails. Governor Stoney warns that a catastrophic failure is imminent if action is not taken soon. He emphasizes the need for timely completion of the new prison to mitigate the escalating risks associated with the existing deteriorating infrastructure.
Apart from addressing overcrowding, the new prison is also expected to address other pressing issues such as drug smuggling prevention, keeping enemy prisoners separate, and reducing staff assaults. The governor believes that the professionalism, care, and compassion of the staff, combined with improved facilities and resources, will make a significant difference in reducing re-offending rates.
However, concerns have been raised about the overspending on the replacement prison. First Minister Humza Yousaf has vowed to investigate the estimated £300 million overspend. It is crucial to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively to deliver the much-needed improvements in the prison system.
Ultimately, the urgent closure of Barlinnie Prison highlights the critical need to address overcrowding and infrastructure failures. The new state-of-the-art facility is expected to provide better living conditions for inmates, enhance rehabilitation services, and contribute to a safer environment for both prisoners and staff. By investing in the necessary reforms, there is hope for a significant reduction in re-offending rates and a more effective and humane criminal justice system.
