INCENTIVES AND PRIVILEGES SCHEME

This was introduced to Polmont in September 1997 and was based on a similar scheme that operates in the English Prison Service (HM Prison Service).

There are 3 levels of privileges that operate in every residential area in Polmont - basic, standard and enhanced. On admission, each young offender enters the system on the standard level. He is required to sign up to a compact, which details the level of behaviour and attitude, which is required. If he maintains this level of behaviour attitude and effort, he will be afforded the privileges that are allocated to that level.

6 weeks after admission he may apply for a review of his privilege level. If he has shown to be of exemplary behaviour and has endeavoured to address his sentence plan, he may be upgraded to the enhanced level. This allows him extra visits, greater access to private cash and to a wider range of items in use e.g. personal clothing etc. If his application is unsuccessful he will be advised as to which areas he must address before making a further application for review.

DOWNGRADING

If a young offenders' behaviour is in breach of the standards required e.g. abusive, lazy, threatening or in breach of prison discipline, he may have a strike notice issued against him. Three strike notices within a 3-month period will result in him being downgraded to basic level. Serious breaches of discipline e.g. possession of drugs; weapons, violent behaviour and bullying will result in instant downgrade. This will be reviewed after a 6 -week period and if his conduct has improved sufficiently he will be upgraded to the standard level once more.

The basic principle of this scheme is to reward good conduct and effort and to discourage anti-social behaviour in all young offenders. Good conduct is rewarded by providing additional access to:- Recreation, Visits, Private Cash and Personal items in use. Young adult’s personal property can build up and we therefore encourage that prior to liberation they start thinking about handing some items out at visits. This will hopefully reduce the burden on their liberation

Incentives and privileges: Quick checklist

Electrical items must have sealed power lead; record facility must be removed from radio cassettes. Headphones must be included. No copies of CDs will be accepted, no CDs of sectarian nature.

Posters/Books: - No nudity, racist paramilitary, bigotry or drugs posters or books will be accepted.

Incentives & Earned Privileges

BASIC

• CD Player or Radio or Personal CD Player
• CD(s) - maximum of 5                                                                                                     
• Shaver
• Training Shoes - 2 pairs                                                                                     
• P.T Short(s) - 3 pairs                                                                                     
• Boxer Shorts
• Socks
• Approved Cell Hobby
• Posters - 3                                                                                                      
• Drawing Pad & Pencils
• Book(s)                 

STANDARD

All items allowed on Basic Level Plus:                                                      

• CD(s) - maximum of 10                                                                                                      
• Wristwatch
• Handheld Electronic Game                      
• Game(s) - maximum of 5                                                                                                       
• Slippers
• Approved Musical Instrument                            

ENHANCED

All items allowed on Basic & Standard Levels Plus: 

• CD(s) - maximum of 20                                                                                                     
• Games Console
• Games - maximum of 5                                                                                             
• T/Shirt(s)                                                                                                                 
• P.T Vests - maximum of 3                                                                                                        
• Tracksuit Top                                                                                      
• Tracksuit Bottoms - 1 pair                                                                         
• Denim(s) - 2 pairs                                                                                              
• Sweatshirt/Jumper                                                                                             
• Towels - maximum of 3                                                                                                  
• Ceramic Mug
• Pyjamas
• Electric Toothbrush