Scotland’s first community custody units to be built in Glasgow and Dundee

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has announced that Scotland’s first two community custody units, managing lower-risk female prisoners closer to local services and support, will be located in Maryhill, Glasgow and at a site still to be confirmed in Dundee.

“There will always be cases where the court rightly takes the view that a prison sentence is absolutely justified, but for those who do end up in custody, we must think beyond bricks and mortar,” he said.

However, short jail terms should be imposed when they are the only suitable option, Mr Matheson told the Scottish Parliament – citing evidence that over half those released from a prison sentence of 12 months or less – with little scope for effective rehabilitation – are reconvicted within a year, compared to a third of those who had served a community sentence.

He said: “A just, equitable and inclusive society is one that is supported by a progressive evidence-based justice system; a system which works with communities to reduce – and ultimately prevent – further offending. A system which holds individuals to account for their offending, but ultimately supports them to make positive contributions to our communities.”

Forthcoming Scottish government legislation will give courts more powers to use electronic monitoring (tagging) as part of a community sentence.

Mr Matheson said: “Electronic monitoring is already an important tool in the delivery of justice. It carries a punitive element and offers a range of options to improve public protection, while allowing an individual to maintain their employment and family links. When used to enforce curfew conditions, it can provide stability to those whose offending is part and parcel of a chaotic lifestyle.”