Pubdate: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
Source: Herald, The (UK)
Copyright: 2006 The Herald
Contact:  http://www.theherald.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/189
Author: Douglas Fraser, Scottish Political Editor

DRUG TESTS IN JAILS STEPPED UP AFTER HEROIN USE REPORT

Scottish prisons are reforming their drug-testing regime and stepping 
up security after a damning report on their own staff's concerns 
about heroin use behind bars.

It shows staff think visiting regulations should be made tougher. 
Half of them thought testing for cannabis, which is detectable for a 
month after smoking it, is encouraging people to move on to heroin 
use which is harder to find in urine samples.

The research showed staff believe heroin is "probably the easiest" 
drug to smuggle into jail, and almost always comes in during visits 
from outsiders. Prisoners claimed to the Glasgow Caledonian 
University researchers that staff had seen drugs being used and did 
not stop it, believing drug-use to be necessary to avoid disruption.

Nearly half of drug addiction officers on prison staff said most 
prisoners with drug problems are not in contact with drug 
interventions. Two-thirds believe regulations during visits should be 
made stricter.

There was a Tory call last night for screens to stop drugs being 
passed from visitors to inmates, but a prison service source said 
this was not practical.

Drugs are passed in babies' nappies, under the table in people's 
shoes and by being quickly swallowed, it was explained.

Since the prison service received the research two months ago it has 
begun to put in more resources and improve security, while it is 
understood there is a more pragmatic approach to cannabis testing to 
avoid the incentive for people to move on to heroin.

Young offenders could be offered paid apprenticeships as an 
alternative to prison, in a bid to find effective alternatives to 
short jail sentences.

The idea is reported to have backing from Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister.

Other parties are moving towards more support for such 
community-based sentences, after both the Liberal Democrats and the 
SNP last week backed calls to replace jail terms of less than six months.

The offenders would be able to train for a trade, making it more 
likely they can find employment, get away from chaotic lifestyles, 
and stay out of further trouble.

The plan is being put forward by the new Criminal Justice 
Authorities, which are gearing up to tackle reoffending problems from 
next year.

A spokeswoman for the executive said: "We're interested in hearing 
any new proposals about how this can be taken forward as part of our 
wider effort to reduce reoffending."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine