INSPECTORS have praised HMP Dumfries for being ‘well-run’ and its staff for their ‘caring and compassionate attitude’.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) visited the prison in August last year, finding that prisoners there were “significantly more positive” in the assessment of their treatment than at other sites around the country.
The facility also performed well against all standards, the report stated: “The most outstanding feature, after the staff, was the wellbeing gardens, which were of exceptional quality and well beyond anything inspectors had seen in any other closed prison establishments.
“The gardens were well used by the prison with various recovery and wellbeing activities running, with prisoners who appreciated its relaxing therapeutic environment. Family events had also been held there over the summer, and a local community dementia support group enjoyed access to the gardens. The excellent array of vegetables grown in the gardens were used in the kitchens and life skills classroom, and there were plans to see if local food banks could benefit from any surplus crops.”
Inspectors also praised the cleanliness of the prison, but noted that with buildings dating back to the 19th century it was ‘inevitable that some elements were showing their age.’
The report also identified room for improvement in terms of rehabilitative programmes, vocational training and psychological support, stating: “There was a limited range of subjects on offer and attendance rates were generally low with relatively few qualifications offered or taken up.
“The prison did not deliver rehabilitative programmes which, considering the offence-related status of most of the prisoners, was disappointing and a source of frustration for prisoners and staff. “Psychological support was only provided one day per week on site and the lead psychologist attended case conferences remotely, which was also not ideal.”
Overall inspectors saw ‘tangible improvements’ compared to their visits in 2015 and 2020, adding: “Overall, this is a very positive inspection report, which is a credit to management and staff.”