Deaths in Scotland's prisons have increased by 60% in the past year, a report has revealed. The Scottish Centre for Criminal Justice Research (SCCJR) found 64 people died in jail in 2024 - up from 40 in 2023. Researchers said the mortality rate had more than doubled over the past decade and was now among the highest in Europe. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said every death in custody was "a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual". According to the report 17 of the deaths last year were suicides or apparent suicides, 10 were related to drugs, 27 were attributed to "health condition or incident", one was a homicide and one was categorised as "other/accident". The remaining eight were undetermined or remain under investigation, it said. The Glasgow University team behind the report said the overall level of deaths in custody last year was the highest since modern records began, in 1995, and almost certainly the highest ever. "That rise is absolutely stunning. It's unprecedented," said Professor Sarah Armstrong who led the research. The report also said prison deaths from suicide had been rising since 2016 and may have reached a record high last year. Prof Armstrong said she was encouraged by the SPS reaction to a report into the deaths ofKatie Allan, 21, and William Brown, 16, who took their own livesin Polmont Young Offenders Institution in 2018. But she said there were issues with "organisational culture" in Scottish prisons and that there needed to be a move away from treating the level of deaths as normal. Katie Allan's mother, Linda, is named as a co-author of the report. She said:in a statement: "We need independent, timely investigations for every death that occurs while someone is in the care of the state." The report said poor air quality, access to healthcare, extended periods locked in cells and increased isolation could "lead to a loss of hope." Prof Armstrong said the team identified a recurring pattern in prison deaths with officers not adequately completing cell checks, health concerns being treated as "drug seeking behaviour" and signs of declining mental health "not being acted upon". She added: "When we looked at international comparators our death rates are more like Azerbaijan and Moldova, where torture and corruption have been documented." Prof Armstrong said it was "anomalous that we have one single state organisation that is immune from prosecution". It comes after SPS head Teresa Medhurst said the prison service shouldface the possibility of criminal prosecutionover deaths in custody - already the case for private prisons. The SPS said it was ultimately for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) to determine each cause of death, but added it publisheddetails of all deaths in custodywhich indicated there were 14 suicides in 2024, "the same level as in 2019 and 2022." A spokesperson said: "We are determined to deliver systemic change, at pace, to how we support people in our care, in a way which will be enduring, transparent, and impactful." An FAI is a legal requirement for any death in a Scottish prison. The researchers said as well as deaths by suicide there were "numerous deaths from acute health events or from conditions which are normally manageable in the community". They argued that pandemic restrictions "have a sustained legacy in Scottish prisons," with many inmates still locked in cells from late afternoon until the following morning. "Such restrictions have been associated with intensifying isolation and deteriorating mental health," the researchers conclude. "In that category of so-called natural causes deaths are 30 and 40-year-olds who are dying from things like heart attacks or from diabetes or epilepsy," said Prof Armstrong. "Technology and new buildings are not going to fix this - it's the human element, it's the organisational culture, it's the relationships between people in prisons." According to the report, there was one death of a trans woman in 2024 and the remaining 63 deaths were men. It calculates that in 2022 – the most recent year for which comparable data are available – there was a rate of 592.8 prison deaths per 100,000 in Scotland compared to 368 per 100,000 in England and Wales. The sharp increase in Scotland could not be explained by a rise in the prison population, said the researchers. They pointed out that deaths had risen from 24 to 64 between 2014 and 2024 – a jump of 167% – while the number of prisoners had risen by around 4.5% in the same period. "Nor can the increase be attributed entirely to the ageing of the prison population," the report adds. Prof Armstrong noted that the prison population was also ageing in England and in the US, and yet neither country had seen a similar rise in deaths. The report also examined deaths in other forms of "state custody" such as mental health facilities, detention centres for migrants and asylum accommodation, and among people with learning disabilities and autism. It concludes that the "quality of information" about such deaths "continues to suffer from gaps, inconsistencies and errors," and calls for improvements. The Scottish government said every death in custody was tragic and said it would "carefully consider the findings of this sobering annual report". A spokesperson said: "The health and wellbeing of all those in custody is a priority for this Government and we continue to work with partners to ensure their safety. "All of Sheriff Collins's recommendations in his determination of the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths at Polmont YOI of Katie and William have been accepted and the work on these is being delivered at pace with progress closely monitored."
Deaths in Scottish prisons among highest in Europe
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scottish Prison Deaths Surge 60% in One Year, Report Reveals"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent report from the Scottish Centre for Criminal Justice Research (SCCJR) has revealed a staggering 60% increase in deaths within Scottish prisons over the past year, with the total number of fatalities rising from 40 in 2023 to 64 in 2024. This alarming trend has positioned Scotland's prison mortality rate among the highest in Europe, with the overall number of deaths in custody being the highest since modern records began in 1995. The report details that of the 64 deaths, 17 were classified as suicides or apparent suicides, while 10 were drug-related. Additionally, 27 deaths were attributed to health conditions or incidents, with one homicide and another categorized as an accident. The researchers highlighted that the rising incidence of suicide in prisons has been a persistent issue since 2016, raising concerns about the adequacy of mental health care and support within the prison system. Professor Sarah Armstrong, who led the research, expressed her dismay at the unprecedented rise in deaths and emphasized the need for a cultural shift in how such tragedies are perceived and addressed within the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).
The report suggests that factors contributing to the increase in prison deaths include poor air quality, inadequate access to healthcare, extended lockdown periods, and heightened isolation, all of which may erode inmates' mental health and sense of hope. Professor Armstrong pointed out that many deaths from health-related issues, typically manageable in the community, are occurring among younger inmates. The report calls for comprehensive and independent investigations into each death in custody, as emphasized by Linda Allan, mother of a deceased inmate and co-author of the report. Furthermore, the researchers noted that the rise in deaths could not be solely attributed to an aging prison population or a significant increase in the number of inmates, as the latter has only risen by about 4.5% during the same period. The Scottish government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed its commitment to improving the health and safety of individuals in custody, while also accepting recommendations from previous inquiries aimed at reducing such tragic incidents.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report highlighting the alarming increase in deaths within Scottish prisons raises critical concerns about the state of the correctional system and its implications for society. With a 60% rise in deaths over the past year, the data suggests systemic issues that require immediate attention. This analysis delves into the potential motivations behind the publication of the report, the public perception it aims to shape, and the broader implications for various sectors.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The revelation of such stark statistics appears to serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to draw public attention to the deteriorating conditions within Scottish prisons, pressing for reform and accountability from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). By emphasizing the human tragedy behind each death, the report seeks to evoke a sense of urgency and compassion among the public and policymakers.
Public Sentiment and Perception
This report likely aims to instigate a wave of public outcry regarding prison conditions and mental health support for inmates. The mention of suicide rates and health-related deaths can create a narrative that underscores the negligence of the prison system. The involvement of families, such as the mother of Katie Allan, further personalizes the issue and fosters a community of advocacy around prison reform.
Potential Information Gaps
While the report provides extensive data on mortality causes, it may obscure other systemic failures or reforms that have been attempted in the past. By focusing solely on the alarming death toll, it risks diverting attention from broader discussions about criminal justice reform, rehabilitation programs, and social support systems that could prevent incarceration in the first place.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The statistics presented appear credible, particularly given their source from a recognized academic institution (Glasgow University) and the involvement of experts like Professor Sarah Armstrong. However, the portrayal of the data could be seen as selectively emphasizing the most distressing elements, which might skew public perception.
Connection to Other Reports
This report aligns with a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on prison systems globally, particularly regarding mental health and substance abuse issues. As similar narratives emerge from different regions, they may collectively signal a growing acknowledgment of the need for reform across various justice systems.
Impact on Society and Economy
The findings could lead to increased pressure on the Scottish government to allocate resources toward prison reform, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs. This could affect public spending and policy prioritization, potentially leading to shifts in social services funding and support systems for at-risk populations.
Target Audience
The report seems designed to resonate with human rights advocates, mental health professionals, and families affected by the criminal justice system. By highlighting the personal stories and systemic failures, it appeals to those who are concerned about social justice and public health.
Market and Economic Implications
In terms of financial markets, the report may not have a direct impact on stock prices unless it influences policy changes that affect economic sectors related to corrections, healthcare, or social services. Industries involved in mental health and rehabilitation could see increased investment if reforms are prioritized.
Global Context
This news contributes to the ongoing discourse on criminal justice reform globally, especially in light of recent discussions surrounding human rights and systemic inequalities. Its relevance extends to current global debates about how societies manage incarceration and rehabilitation.
AI Influence in Reporting
While there is no explicit indication that AI was utilized in crafting this report, certain elements—such as data analysis and pattern recognition—could have benefited from AI tools. However, the narrative style and emotional appeal suggest a human touch that emphasizes personal stories and systemic challenges.
The report’s framing and language could be viewed as aiming to invoke a specific emotional response, particularly through the focus on tragic outcomes. This suggests a potential for manipulation if the intent is solely to provoke outrage without a balanced discussion of reforms or solutions.
In summary, the report serves as a critical call to action regarding the health and safety of inmates in Scottish prisons, revealing serious issues that policy makers must address. While the data appears reliable, the emphasis on mortality rates could obscure broader systemic discussions.