Union anger over four Bar-L staff for 93 cons
assistant general secretary of the Prison Officers Association Scotland, said a reduction in staff levels at the jail contributed to the attacks.
It is understood 78 officers out of a workforce of 450 were off sick.
Barlinnie has the capacity to hold 1019 inmates. But sources say it is currently holding about 1400.
Hogg said: “The small number of staff supervising more than 90 prisoners on exercise had to draw their batons in order to quell the concerted indiscipline that arose as a result of three drug packages being thrown over a wall.
“The lack of available staff at tempt i ng to manage a ridiculously overcrowded prison like Barlinnie is a recipe for disaster.
“Staff morale is already at rock bottom with high levels of absence, low pay and an everincreasing hostile and dangerous environment. It’s clear that if something isn’t done to address the growing anger and discontent among our members, we’re heading for a crisis in our prisons.”
Sources said management at the jail – led by governor Michael Stoney – have been reluctant to take the attacks seriously. They claim criminal charges brought against those involved would affect the prison’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – a scheme used to measure its efficacy.
An insider said: “The staff want those involved reported for rioting, which could result in criminal proceedings. The prison management seem reluctant to do this because it would have a negative impact on its KPIs.
“Staff are very unhappy they don’t appear to have full backing.”
Police said: “A report on this matter was received on January 29. We await further details of the incident being confirmed.”
The Scottish Prison Service said: “Attacks on employees are unacceptable and we’ ll work with pol ice to help identi fy those responsible.
“We’re working with union off icials to address staf f ing problems.”