Edinburgh Prison is classed as a local or community prison and receives prisoners from the courts in Edinburgh and the Lothians and Borders. The prison holds adult male and under 21 prisoners who are on remand or convicted awaiting sentence, and convicted prisoners serving sentences from non-payment of fines to life.

Edinburgh is the first prison to introduce Prison Watch Scotland. This initiative was launched on 22 February 2011. Prison Watch is a scheme similar to Neighbourhood Watch, but deals with the area around HMP Edinburgh. Created in Partnership with the Scottish Prison Service, Lothian & Borders Police and City of Edinburgh Council. The most important person involved is members of the public - those who live and work locally or visit the prison regularly and want to play a part in maintaining the area.