Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 30 July 2024
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason HMP Barlinnie’s target operating capacity is reportedly over 300 prisoners more than its design capacity.
I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:
The prison population rose by around 400 between March and May and by around 13% since the beginning of 2023, resulting in the need to take a variety of actions to deal with the unprecedented high prisoner numbers. These actions will ensure the safety and well-being of SPS staff and those in our care, allowing prisons such as Barlinnie to continue to function effectively and accommodate those who pose the greatest risk of harm.
Despite being above its design capacity, HMP Barlinnie is currently operating below its extended operating capacity.