The Public Services Reform (Inspection and Monitoring of Prisons) (Scotland) Order 2015 came into force on 31 August 2015 and from this date HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland assumed overall responsibility for the monitoring of prisons, which is carried out on a day to day basis by independent prison monitors.
The independent prison monitors are led by four regional Prison Monitoring Co-ordinators.
INDEPENDENT PRISON MONITORING
What is an Independent Prison Monitor?
An Independent Prison Monitor is a volunteer role. The role holds statutory authority under the Public Services Reform (Inspection and Monitoring of Prisons) (Scotland) Order 2015. It is an essential role within the Scottish justice system as it helps ensure prisoners’ human rights are upheld and that life in prison contributes to their rehabilitation.
Independent Prison Monitors provide an independent viewpoint on the humane treatment and conditions for prisoners in all prisons across Scotland and will conduct investigations either as a result of a prisoner raising an issue or from observations that are made during prison visits. Monitors also report formally on their findings.