THE growing number of older people in prison and the challenges this presents has been highlighted in the media.
STV news visited HMP Glenochil and spoke with Prison Officers about their experiences working with an ageing prison population, where over 50s now make up more than a quarter of the population.
Care workers from agency Ailsa Care are based in the prison 24 hours per day, and are there to provide personal care and support to a growing number of prisoners. The cost of providing this care is significant for the prison service, and has risen from £636,000 in 2018, to almost £2.9 million last year.
In Scotland, we have an ageing population in general, and within the justice system. Longer prison sentences, and a rise in the number of those convicted of serious and organised crime and historical sex offences, are part of the reason for the rise in this population.
The Programme for Government includes plans to scope the feasibility of new specialist models of imprisonments for groups, such as older and younger people.
Speaking to STV, Sharanne Findlay, Governor in Charge of HMP Glenochil said: "It may be that using less secure facilities is an option, and would be more suitable. Or indeed, is it appropriate that we manage these people in the community?
“I full appreciate some of society’s views might differ on that, but these people can still be safely managed in a much less secure environment. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be accommodated in a prison.
“I think the fewer people we have in prison, the more we can look after those who really need to be here.”
Read the full online story here - Glenochil governor calls for rethink on how prisoners over 60 are managed | STV News