Polmont

HMP Polmont

Address:
HMP Polmont
Falkirk
FK2 0AB

Tel:(01324) 711558

Fax:(01324) 714919

Intro

Until recently HMYOI Polmont was one, albeit the largest of the establishments containing young offenders. With the ongoing re-alignment of the prison population Polmont will become the only centre holding convicted young offenders and will hold a significant proportion of remand young offenders from the West of Scotland. The vision at Polmont remains that of providing a safe, supportive and learning environment which facilitates personal change and development. While maintaining good order the overarching aim is to make a tangible contribution to a 'safer Scotland'.

It is recognised that Young Offenders do commit a hugely disproportionate percentage of recorded crime (40%) and influence significantly the continuing high levels of fear of crime. The Polmont approach is to work in partnership with a wide range of agencies to offer an ever-increasing range and frequency of interventions. The more we do the more we become aware of what there is still to do to tackle the problem of youth crime.

On 9 May 2003, Polmont held 536 inmates against an available capacity of 495 and on that day one was under the age of 16. 150 were serving sentences of under 1 year while 170 were serving sentences of four years and over, including life.

Visiting

How to get here:

By car
The prison lies 3 miles south east of Falkirk on the B805 road and can be reached by leaving the M9 motorway at junction 4, following the signs to Polmont on the A803, HM Prison signs are located on strategic traffic signs along the way. At the first roundabout at Polmont turn left, this road passes the Polmont railway station, to the junction of Brightons Cross where you turn right going straight through the next roundabout, the establishment is next on the left.

By train
From Edinburgh Waverley, the Dunblane train at 18 and 48 minutes past the hour Monday to Saturday and at half past the hour on Sundays. From Glasgow Queen Street, half past the hour Monday to Saturday and on the hour on Sundays.

There is a good 15 minute walk from the railway station but taxis are available at the station, telephone (01324) 623 999. There is a shorter route to walk via the canal path, accessible from the canal bridge a short distance along from the railway bridge.

By bus
There are regular bus services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Falkirk. From Falkirk the Maddiston bus service reaches the establishment.

SACRO runs a subsidised bus service from a variety of locations to various establishments. Please see SACRO page for further information. National Office Telephone 0131 226 4222.

Travel numbers
British Rail Enquiries: 0345 48 49 50; Bus Station Enquiries: 01324 623 985; Taxi Enquiries: 01324 623 999

Guide to residential halls

Arrivals and visits
The visitors car park is located on the left hand side of the drive facing the establishment. A barrier system is in operation in other car parks to prevent unauthorised access to staff parking facilities. A parking area for the disabled is located close to the gate entrance.

Admissions may receive a visit within the first 7 days without a pass.

Visiting times

Monday-Friday: 13.20 to 14.20; 14.40 to 15.40; 19.15 to 20.15
With the exception of Thursday, which is for Agents, Child Bonding, Admission and Induction visits.

Saturday and Sunday: 12.55 to 14.20; 14.15 to 15.15; 15.35 to 16.35
There are no evening visit sessions on weekends.

Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your allotted time to allow staff to collect and escort the young offender from his hall to the visit room (up to 3 visitors only).

Children under 16 are welcome in addition to the 3 main visitors. Two hour visits can be requested by the young offender if the visitors live a long distance away. These are considered as double visits and use up the visit entitlement.

Some private rooms adjoining the visit room are available and are essentially used for interviews with solicitors, social workers etc, but can be utilised for special cases where delicate issued need to be raised. Allowance for use of this facility will be by agreement when space allows.

Visit facilities
There is an access ramp for wheelchairs and toilets for the disabled are available. Baby changing facilities are available.

There is a no smoking policy in both the waiting room and the visit room with which we request you comply. Anyone found smoking will be asked to extinguish the item or leave the premises.

A number of notice boards in the waiting room display a variety of information to assist and instruct the visitor.

Family Contact Development Officer
The family Contact Development Officer at Polmont is John Fitzsimmons. He can be contacted for any queries, complaints or information by either filling in a helpdesk contact form, obtainable from the visit room staff, or by phoning the establishment on 01324 711. Alternatively you can e-mail John on at: john.fitzsimmons@sps.gov.uk

A Duty Governor can be contacted if urgently required but the Supervisor of the specific area in question can be called on for assistance who might be more readily acquainted with the subject if required.

Writing to young offenders
Remember when writing to young offenders to include his name, his prison number and the hall he is being held in.

WRVS
WRVS provide a canteen on Monday to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, afternoons only, with snacks and drinks. Only items purchased in the visit room may be consumed there (a soft drinks machine is also available.)

Searches
Any visitor can be searched if deemed necessary, normally outer garments and hand luggage.

Prison rules 63 and 86
Prison Rule 63 states that a visit which is in progress can be terminated at any time if it is considered necessary to do so in the interests of security, discipline or in the prevention of disorder or crime.

Rule 86 states that if an officer suspects that a visitor is concealing anything which may be prejudicial to security, good order or safety, he/she may ask the visitor to consent to a search. If the search is refused the visitor would not be admitted to receive the visit.

All hand luggage should be stored in the lockers provided. Keys for the lockers can be obtained from visit room staff.

Bringing goods in
Items such as clothing, posters etc must be detailed on a pro-forma (a receipt detailing exactly what is requested) which can be sent to you. Do not bring any items not listed - they will NOT be accepted. Please hand in goods prior to your visit. All goods handed in will be x-rayed.

If a radio-hi-fi is brought in, this must NOT have recording facilities or this must have been removed by a qualified electrician (a work receipt will be required to prove this.)

As many of the cells now have electrical power points (except Spey Hall and Argyll Hall) power leads for radios save on battery usage, but these power leads must have sealed plugs for safety reasons and no other will be accepted.Electronic games are allowed (Gameboy and Atari Lynx) but not the Sega Game Gear (can be altered to receive TV broadcasts).

Cell hobbies (models, match kits) must have water-based glues, available at most hobby shops. Toxic, inflammable glues will not be accepted.

Jewellery - no rings with an upraised surface, stones, coins etc will be accepted.

Papers and magazines can be ordered and paid for at "McNeil's" papershop which is situated at Brightons Cross (refer to "How to get here" directions.) Please give the shop the young offenders Number, Name and Hall.

Tobacco, sweets, foodstuffs, phonecards and toiletries will not be accepted as these can be purchased from the canteens in all halls.

A maximum of £20 cash may be handed in per week for personal use to supplement the young offender's weekly wage. Any need in excess of this must be applied for on request.

Further Infomation

The SPS vision envisages a prison estate that is ‘fit for purpose for the 21st century’. The recently completed 213 prisoner place houseblock, Iona Hall, represents a total investment of around £17 million and was completed on time and within cost. With Iona Hall the capacity of Polmont has increased from 422 cells to 521, all of which have access to night sanitation.

The main difference between the new houseblock and traditional prison accommodation blocks is that the houseblock includes health care, education and recreation facilities. The design ensures that the regime can be operated effectively and efficiently, which in turn minimises running costs. Special features in the design include provision of a disabled cell with integral sanitation and shower; a "buddy " cell which can be used to pair up a vulnerable prisoner with a trained listener; and 25% of capacity as larger cells which can accommodate two (in bunks) when population is at its peak. The modernisation of HMYOI Polmont will continue through its approved Development Plan, which includes new Regimes facilities and a Segregation Unit. The second phase comprises a 285 prisoner place houseblock.

Education:
The Learning Centre at Polmont delivered 36,721 prisoner learning hours last year. Additional resources for education are being transferred to Polmont with the transfers of YO population from Glenochil and Barlinnie.

Programmes and Approved Activities:
Polmont delivered 260 Programmes and Approved Activities last year including Cognitive Skills, Anger Management, Sex Offender (STOP Adapted) and Lifeline (Drugs), as well as courses on Parenting Skills and Sensible Drinking (Alcohol). Polmont are planning an increase in the range and availability of Approved Activities.

Drugs:
Many young people admitted to custody (about 80%) have a drugs misuse problem. Polmont’s staff and drug specialists work hard to impact on the lives of YOs and about 400 are linked into addiction services. Polmont works with a variety of agencies such as Phoenix House and Cranstoun in the delivery of groupwork, casework and throughcare. Recent MDT results have shown an improving trend in the fight against drug misuse.

Healthcare:
The Health centre is seen as an excellent example of delivery of service as evidenced by the UK Governments award of the Charter mark (2001). Polmont is the first prison in SPS to provide a dedicated Mental Health nursing service as part of its multi-disciplinary mental health team. Five mental health nurses provide a full-time, separate service, managing a caseload of over 50 Young Adults. The multi-disciplinary Mental Health Team in Polmont provides interventions that include basic social skills, anxiety management, sleep management, coping skills and problem solving.

Polmont has a contract with the local Forth Valley Primary Care Trust to ensure that an appropriate psychiatric service is in place for the provision of secondary care mental health services i.e. four consultant psychiatrist sessions per week. In addition youngsters leaving with mental health problems have referrals made to their local psychiatric or healthcare service.

A member of the mental health team attends every multi-disciplinary case conference held in relation to SPS' suicide risk management strategy Act to Care. In addition, post-Act follow-up care plans are always facilitated by mental health nurses. Often, this involves partnership working with external agencies that allows work started in prison to continue on release.

Training, Skills and Employability:
Polmont provides vocational training in Bricklaying, Joinery, Industrial Cleaning, Painting and Decorating, and training in engineering. A joint APEX/SPS course in Career Preparation has achieved Approval and is due to run shortly.

A review is currently being undertaken to examine how to better deliver training, skills and employability for young offenders. There is expected to be a shift from industrial production workshops to more extensive accredited training to fit young people for success in the labour market through a sustained focus on employability.

Polmont is linked with a number of external agencies to assist in the provision of a range of opportunities. For example, a Youth Development Programme, supported by Youth Link Funding, is providing opportunities for drama, arts and peer tutoring. It has also good links with Job Centre Plus services and over 300 young offenders are linked into employability services.

Social Work and Throughcare
Falkirk Council delivers social work services under contract at Polmont YOI. There is an SPS presence at the final review meetings within secure units prior to a Young Offender moving to YOI to improve continuity of care.

Currently, only long-term offenders (4 years and over) are subject to statutory supervision on release. Funding is now being made available to extend social work supervision to young persons in prison and on release who are serving sentences of less than 4 years. In particular, Polmont is participating with social work agencies in promoting a pathway project with young offenders to strengthen throughcare to this group.

Polmont has developed a Throughcare Centre along the lines of the groundbreaking Centre at Edinburgh prison. It provides induction and assessment facilities, refers inmates for appointments to agencies and undertakes employability related work. It aims to become a one-stop shop and is currently in discussion with the Inclusion Branch of SPS to provide more services for those with accommodation difficulties. It already links over 60 inmates into services for the homeless.

Human Resource Issues:
Polmont has an exceptional record in relation to Butler Trust Awards having picked up 4 major awards in the past five years. Recently seven Meritorious Conduct awards have been made to Polmont staff. Following re-assessment in 2002, Polmont has maintained its Investors in People (IiP) status and gained the Bronze Level SHAW Award (Scotland Health at Work) in January 2003. Polmont has also gained 2 awards from Forth Valley Enterprise recognising its community involvement.

Bridging the Gap Resource CD kit
Bridging the Gap, PO Box 783, Croydon, CR9 1BT
Telephone : 020 8239 8976
Email : info@btguk.org


	Address: HMP Polmont Falkirk FK2 0AB		Tel:(01324) 711558 Fax:(01324) 714919

	Intro Until recently HMYOI Polmont was one, albeit the largest of the establishments containing young offenders. With the ongoing re-alignment of the prison population Polmont will become the only centre holding convicted young offenders and will hold a significant proportion of remand young offenders from the West of Scotland. The vision at Polmont remains that of providing a safe, supportive and learning environment which facilitates personal change and development. While maintaining good order the overarching aim is to make a tangible contribution to a 'safer Scotland'. It is recognised that Young Offenders do commit a hugely disproportionate percentage of recorded crime (40%) and influence significantly the continuing high levels of fear of crime. The Polmont approach is to work in partnership with a wide range of agencies to offer an ever-increasing range and frequency of interventions. The more we do the more we become aware of what there is still to do to tackle the problem of youth crime. On 9 May 2003, Polmont held 536 inmates against an available capacity of 495 and on that day one was under the age of 16. 150 were serving sentences of under 1 year while 170 were serving sentences of four years and over, including life.
	Visiting How to get here: By car The prison lies 3 miles south east of Falkirk on the B805 road and can be reached by leaving the M9 motorway at junction 4, following the signs to Polmont on the A803, HM Prison signs are located on strategic traffic signs along the way. At the first roundabout at Polmont turn left, this road passes the Polmont railway station, to the junction of Brightons Cross where you turn right going straight through the next roundabout, the establishment is next on the left. By train From Edinburgh Waverley, the Dunblane train at 18 and 48 minutes past the hour Monday to Saturday and at half past the hour on Sundays. From Glasgow Queen Street, half past the hour Monday to Saturday and on the hour on Sundays. There is a good 15 minute walk from the railway station but taxis are available at the station, telephone (01324) 623 999. There is a shorter route to walk via the canal path, accessible from the canal bridge a short distance along from the railway bridge. By bus There are regular bus services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Falkirk. From Falkirk the Maddiston bus service reaches the establishment. SACRO runs a subsidised bus service from a variety of locations to various establishments. Please see SACRO page for further information. National Office Telephone 0131 226 4222. Travel numbers British Rail Enquiries: 0345 48 49 50; Bus Station Enquiries: 01324 623 985; Taxi Enquiries: 01324 623 999 Guide to residential halls Arrivals and visits The visitors car park is located on the left hand side of the drive facing the establishment. A barrier system is in operation in other car parks to prevent unauthorised access to staff parking facilities. A parking area for the disabled is located close to the gate entrance. Admissions may receive a visit within the first 7 days without a pass. Visiting times Monday-Friday: 13.20 to 14.20; 14.40 to 15.40; 19.15 to 20.15 With the exception of Thursday, which is for Agents, Child Bonding, Admission and Induction visits. Saturday and Sunday: 12.55 to 14.20; 14.15 to 15.15; 15.35 to 16.35 There are no evening visit sessions on weekends. Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your allotted time to allow staff to collect and escort the young offender from his hall to the visit room (up to 3 visitors only). Children under 16 are welcome in addition to the 3 main visitors. Two hour visits can be requested by the young offender if the visitors live a long distance away. These are considered as double visits and use up the visit entitlement. Some private rooms adjoining the visit room are available and are essentially used for interviews with solicitors, social workers etc, but can be utilised for special cases where delicate issued need to be raised. Allowance for use of this facility will be by agreement when space allows. Visit facilities There is an access ramp for wheelchairs and toilets for the disabled are available. Baby changing facilities are available. There is a no smoking policy in both the waiting room and the visit room with which we request you comply. Anyone found smoking will be asked to extinguish the item or leave the premises. A number of notice boards in the waiting room display a variety of information to assist and instruct the visitor. Family Contact Development Officer The family Contact Development Officer at Polmont is John Fitzsimmons. He can be contacted for any queries, complaints or information by either filling in a helpdesk contact form, obtainable from the visit room staff, or by phoning the establishment on 01324 711. Alternatively you can e-mail John on at: john.fitzsimmons@sps.gov.uk A Duty Governor can be contacted if urgently required but the Supervisor of the specific area in question can be called on for assistance who might be more readily acquainted with the subject if required. Writing to young offenders Remember when writing to young offenders to include his name, his prison number and the hall he is being held in. WRVS WRVS provide a canteen on Monday to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, afternoons only, with snacks and drinks. Only items purchased in the visit room may be consumed there (a soft drinks machine is also available.) Searches Any visitor can be searched if deemed necessary, normally outer garments and hand luggage. Prison rules 63 and 86 Prison Rule 63 states that a visit which is in progress can be terminated at any time if it is considered necessary to do so in the interests of security, discipline or in the prevention of disorder or crime. Rule 86 states that if an officer suspects that a visitor is concealing anything which may be prejudicial to security, good order or safety, he/she may ask the visitor to consent to a search. If the search is refused the visitor would not be admitted to receive the visit. All hand luggage should be stored in the lockers provided. Keys for the lockers can be obtained from visit room staff. Bringing goods in Items such as clothing, posters etc must be detailed on a pro-forma (a receipt detailing exactly what is requested) which can be sent to you. Do not bring any items not listed - they will NOT be accepted. Please hand in goods prior to your visit. All goods handed in will be x-rayed. If a radio-hi-fi is brought in, this must NOT have recording facilities or this must have been removed by a qualified electrician (a work receipt will be required to prove this.) As many of the cells now have electrical power points (except Spey Hall and Argyll Hall) power leads for radios save on battery usage, but these power leads must have sealed plugs for safety reasons and no other will be accepted.Electronic games are allowed (Gameboy and Atari Lynx) but not the Sega Game Gear (can be altered to receive TV broadcasts). Cell hobbies (models, match kits) must have water-based glues, available at most hobby shops. Toxic, inflammable glues will not be accepted. Jewellery - no rings with an upraised surface, stones, coins etc will be accepted. Papers and magazines can be ordered and paid for at "McNeil's" papershop which is situated at Brightons Cross (refer to "How to get here" directions.) Please give the shop the young offenders Number, Name and Hall. Tobacco, sweets, foodstuffs, phonecards and toiletries will not be accepted as these can be purchased from the canteens in all halls. A maximum of £20 cash may be handed in per week for personal use to supplement the young offender's weekly wage. Any need in excess of this must be applied for on request.
	Further Infomation The SPS vision envisages a prison estate that is ‘fit for purpose for the 21st century’. The recently completed 213 prisoner place houseblock, Iona Hall, represents a total investment of around £17 million and was completed on time and within cost. With Iona Hall the capacity of Polmont has increased from 422 cells to 521, all of which have access to night sanitation. The main difference between the new houseblock and traditional prison accommodation blocks is that the houseblock includes health care, education and recreation facilities. The design ensures that the regime can be operated effectively and efficiently, which in turn minimises running costs. Special features in the design include provision of a disabled cell with integral sanitation and shower; a "buddy " cell which can be used to pair up a vulnerable prisoner with a trained listener; and 25% of capacity as larger cells which can accommodate two (in bunks) when population is at its peak. The modernisation of HMYOI Polmont will continue through its approved Development Plan, which includes new Regimes facilities and a Segregation Unit. The second phase comprises a 285 prisoner place houseblock. Education: The Learning Centre at Polmont delivered 36,721 prisoner learning hours last year. Additional resources for education are being transferred to Polmont with the transfers of YO population from Glenochil and Barlinnie. Programmes and Approved Activities: Polmont delivered 260 Programmes and Approved Activities last year including Cognitive Skills, Anger Management, Sex Offender (STOP Adapted) and Lifeline (Drugs), as well as courses on Parenting Skills and Sensible Drinking (Alcohol). Polmont are planning an increase in the range and availability of Approved Activities. Drugs: Many young people admitted to custody (about 80%) have a drugs misuse problem. Polmont’s staff and drug specialists work hard to impact on the lives of YOs and about 400 are linked into addiction services. Polmont works with a variety of agencies such as Phoenix House and Cranstoun in the delivery of groupwork, casework and throughcare. Recent MDT results have shown an improving trend in the fight against drug misuse. Healthcare: The Health centre is seen as an excellent example of delivery of service as evidenced by the UK Governments award of the Charter mark (2001). Polmont is the first prison in SPS to provide a dedicated Mental Health nursing service as part of its multi-disciplinary mental health team. Five mental health nurses provide a full-time, separate service, managing a caseload of over 50 Young Adults. The multi-disciplinary Mental Health Team in Polmont provides interventions that include basic social skills, anxiety management, sleep management, coping skills and problem solving. Polmont has a contract with the local Forth Valley Primary Care Trust to ensure that an appropriate psychiatric service is in place for the provision of secondary care mental health services i.e. four consultant psychiatrist sessions per week. In addition youngsters leaving with mental health problems have referrals made to their local psychiatric or healthcare service. A member of the mental health team attends every multi-disciplinary case conference held in relation to SPS' suicide risk management strategy Act to Care. In addition, post-Act follow-up care plans are always facilitated by mental health nurses. Often, this involves partnership working with external agencies that allows work started in prison to continue on release. Training, Skills and Employability: Polmont provides vocational training in Bricklaying, Joinery, Industrial Cleaning, Painting and Decorating, and training in engineering. A joint APEX/SPS course in Career Preparation has achieved Approval and is due to run shortly. A review is currently being undertaken to examine how to better deliver training, skills and employability for young offenders. There is expected to be a shift from industrial production workshops to more extensive accredited training to fit young people for success in the labour market through a sustained focus on employability. Polmont is linked with a number of external agencies to assist in the provision of a range of opportunities. For example, a Youth Development Programme, supported by Youth Link Funding, is providing opportunities for drama, arts and peer tutoring. It has also good links with Job Centre Plus services and over 300 young offenders are linked into employability services. Social Work and Throughcare Falkirk Council delivers social work services under contract at Polmont YOI. There is an SPS presence at the final review meetings within secure units prior to a Young Offender moving to YOI to improve continuity of care. Currently, only long-term offenders (4 years and over) are subject to statutory supervision on release. Funding is now being made available to extend social work supervision to young persons in prison and on release who are serving sentences of less than 4 years. In particular, Polmont is participating with social work agencies in promoting a pathway project with young offenders to strengthen throughcare to this group. Polmont has developed a Throughcare Centre along the lines of the groundbreaking Centre at Edinburgh prison. It provides induction and assessment facilities, refers inmates for appointments to agencies and undertakes employability related work. It aims to become a one-stop shop and is currently in discussion with the Inclusion Branch of SPS to provide more services for those with accommodation difficulties. It already links over 60 inmates into services for the homeless. Human Resource Issues: Polmont has an exceptional record in relation to Butler Trust Awards having picked up 4 major awards in the past five years. Recently seven Meritorious Conduct awards have been made to Polmont staff. Following re-assessment in 2002, Polmont has maintained its Investors in People (IiP) status and gained the Bronze Level SHAW Award (Scotland Health at Work) in January 2003. Polmont has also gained 2 awards from Forth Valley Enterprise recognising its community involvement.