The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘Nothing to fear’from prisoners in community
THE GOVERNOR of Castle Huntly open prison has said that people have nothing to fear from prisoners being allowed out into surrounding communities.
Jim Farish was speaking after it emerged that killer Thomas Gordon, once considered to be one of Scotland’s most dangerous criminals, had been on a visit to Dundee.
Since the start of the year 11 inmates have absconded from the Carse of Gowrie prison, nine of whom had been allowed out on release.
Mr Farish explained that Castle Huntly was a vital stepping stone for prisoners returning to society after years behind bars.
“The open estate is probably misunderstood by those who see it from the outside,” he said.
“All prisoners are assessed and evaluated before coming to the open estate and we monitor their behaviour and attitudes closely.
“Everything we do is about giving them the best chance not to reoffend.”
The prison offers a number of services to ensure that its prisoners can return to society for good.
“All prisoners coming into the open estate are assessed to see what needs still exist, for instance if they have no work experience, which would restrict their ability to gain employment,” Mr Farish added. “People who find work have a significantly lower risk of reoffending, so we would identify an appropriate placement for them.
“On any given day between 50 and 60 of our prisoners will be working in the community with a whole range of different employers. Prisoners go out and do work that communities want us to do.
“We’ve done a whole range of things for local communities, like building a bridge at St Cyrus.”
Around 90% of Castle Huntly’s inmates have been in prison for more than four years, so being given home leave is an important step in their rehabilitation. Mr Farish said: “At any time between 45 and 50 prisoners will be on home leave. That process if about them re-establishing contact and relationships with their families, friends and community.
“That’s where they’re going to live in the longer term, so we want them to make the transition to liberty smoothly.”