The Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Amendment Rules 1996

• Citation: S.I. 1996/32
• Sections: 57

Section 1 Citation, commencement and interpretation

(1) These Rules may be cited as the Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Amendment Rules 1996 and shall come into force on 5th February 1996.

(2) In these Rules, “the principal Rules ” mean the Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 1994 .

Section 2 Amendment of rule 3 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 3 of the principal Rules (interpretation) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In paragraph (1) there are inserted after the definition of “constable” the following definitions:—

“controlled drug” means any drug which is a controlled drug for the purposes of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 ;

“Deputy Governor” means the officer who is appointed to act in place of the Governor-in-Charge during any period when the Governor-in-Charge is temporarily absent from the prison;

(3) In paragraph (1), for the definition of “Governor” there are substituted the following definitions:—

“Governor” means—

in this rule, rule 78, rule 88A and in any rule in Part 11 (other than rules 102 and 103), the Governor-in-Charge;

in rules 4, 5, 11, 21 and 67 and in any rule in Parts 7, 9 (other than rule 88A), 10 and 13 to 16, any of the following:—

the Governor-in-Charge;

the Deputy Governor;

any authorised Unit Manager; and

where there is no officer as mentioned in paragraphs (i) to (iii) above present for the time being in the prison, the most senior officer who is present in prison at that time; and

in any other provision in these Rules, any officer;

“Governor-in-Charge” means the officer who is appointed as the Governor in overall charge of the prison;

(4) In paragraph (1), after the definition of “training for freedom hostel” there is inserted the following definition:—

“Unit Manager” means an officer who is appointed to manage a function or group of functions within the prison;

Section 3 Amendment of rule 10 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 10 of the principal Rules (registration and records of prisoners) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In rule 10(4) the words “and shall at least once in every 3 years where a prisoner has been in legal custody for such a period” and “palm and” are omitted.

(3) For rule 10(5) there is substituted the following paragraph—

(5) The Governor may at any time during the period that an untried prisoner is remanded or detained in prison take photographs of, and fingerprints from, the prisoner.

(4) In rule 10(6)(b) the words “palm and” are omitted.

Section 4 Amendment of rule 12 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 12 of the principal Rules (security categories of prisoners) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In rule 12(3), after the words “Schedule 2” there are inserted the words “(other than Category A)”.

(3) In rule 12(5), the words “or assign Category B to such a prisoner who is Category A” are omitted.

(4) In rule 12(7), after the words “category D” there are inserted the words “or limited category D”.

(5) For paragraph (8) of rule 12 there is substituted the following paragraph:—

(8) Following the assignment of a security category or a review of such a category in terms of this rule, the Governor shall, if asked to do so by the prisoner concerned, inform the prisoner in writing—

(a) in the case of the assignment of a security category or of a new category, of the reasons why the category assigned is the lowest appropriate; or

(b) in the case of a review which has resulted in no change of category, of the reasons why a lower category is not appropriate,

and, in either case, shall inform the prisoner in writing of the gist of any matter of fact or opinion to which he has had regard in reaching the relevant decision.

Section 5 Amendment of rule 21 of the principal Rules

Rule 21 of the principal Rules (prisoners' food) is amended by substituting for paragraph (2) the following paragraph:—

(2) Where by reason of exceptional circumstances pertaining in the prison, it is not practicable to provide food and drink to prisoners, or any particular group or category of prisoners, in terms of paragraph (1)—

(a) subject to sub-paragraph (b), the Governor shall seek to provide food and drink so far as reasonably practicable having regard to the circumstances; and

(b) where the exceptional circumstances have existed for more than 48 hours, the Secretary of State may by direction provide that paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to prisoners in that prison until such time as he considers that it is practicable for it to do so.

Section 6 Amendment of rule 27 of the principal Rules

Rule 27 of the principal Rules (arrangements for medical care by other medical practitioners or at outside facilities) is amended by substituting for paragraph (2) the following paragraph:—

(2) Where the medical officer considers that it is appropriate to do so, and after consulting with the Governor, he may arrange for another medical practitioner to attend at the prison for the purpose of providing medical care to prisoners as may be required and in accordance with any conditions as may be specified in the arrangements.

Section 7 Substitution of rule 30 of the principal Rules

For rule 30 of the principal Rules (notification of relatives and friends of prisoners suffering serious illness, etc ) there is substituted the following rule:—

Notification of relatives and friends of prisoners suffering serious illness, etc

(30)

(1) If a prisoner becomes seriously ill or sustains serious injury or is admitted to a hospital outwith the prison, the Governor shall, where possible, ask the prisoner if he wishes any relative or friend of his, or any other person, to be informed.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) where the prisoner wishes any relative, friend or other person to be informed of any event mentioned in paragraph (1), the Governor shall notify any such person accordingly.

(3) The Governor shall not be required to notify more than 2 persons in accordance with paragraph (2).

(4) In the case of a young prisoner, or a young offender who is under the age of 16 years, the Governor shall notify the parent or guardian of that prisoner or young offender of any event mentioned in paragraph (1).

Section 8 Amendment of rule 40 of the principal Rules

Rule 40(3) of the principal Rules (privileges) is amended by the substitution for sub-paragraph (c) of the following sub-paragraph:—

(c) the use of recreational and library facilities provided, or the participation in recreational activities organised, by virtue of rule 76;

Section 9 Amendment of rule 56 of the principal Rules

Rule 56(2) of the principal Rules (visits to untried and civil prisoners by persons of a prisoner’s choice) is amended—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a), by inserting after the words “to receive” the words “(other than on 1st January or 25th December in any year)”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b), by inserting after the word “Sunday” the words “or on 1st January or 25th December in any year”.

Section 10 Amendment of rule 63 of the principal Rules

Rule 63(2) of the principal Rules (general conditions applicable to visits under Part 7) is amended by inserting after sub-paragraph (a) the following sub-paragraph:—

(aa) to impose a prohibition on, or restrictions in relation to, the possession and use of photographic equipment, sound recording equipment and writing materials;

Section 11 Amendment of rule 64 of the principal Rules

Rule 64(2)(a) of the principal Rules (closed visiting facilities) is amended by substituting for the words “any prohibited article from a visitor” the words “from any visitor any prohibited article or any property which the prisoner was not or, as the case may be, would not be authorised to possess in prison or in any particular part of the prison”.

Section 12 Amendment of rule 67 of the principal Rules

Rule 67 of the principal Rules (arrangements for work, education etc. ) is amended by—

(a) substituting for the words “work, education etc.” in the heading the words “work, education and counselling”; and

(b) substituting for the words “work, education etc.” in paragraph (1) the words “work and education”.

Section 13 Amendment of rule 69 of the principal rules

Rule 69 of the principal Rules (conditions of work or activities in lieu of work) is amended by substituting for paragraph (4) the following paragraph:—

(4) A prisoner shall be entitled to work in association with other prisoners except where—

(a) an order has been made under rule 80 removing him from association with other prisoners either generally or during any period the prisoner is undertaking work;

(b) he has been removed from association in terms of rule 95(2); or

(c) he is subject to cellular confinement imposed under rule 100(1)(d).

Section 14 Substitution of rule 75 of the principal Rules

For rule 75 of the principal Rules (exercise and time in the open air) there is substituted the following rule:—

Exercise and time in the open air

(75)

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this rule, every prisoner shall be given the opportunity—

(a) to take exercise for not less than one hour every day; and

(b) to spend time in the open air at least once every day.

(2) A prisoner shall be entitled to take exercise and spend time in the open air in terms of paragraph (1) in association with other prisoners except where—

(a) an order has been made under rule 80 removing him from association with other prisoners either generally or during any period the prisoner is engaged in or taking part in such activities;

(b) he has been removed from association in terms of rule 95(2); or

(c) he is subject to cellular confinement imposed under rule 100(1)(d).

(3) Where at any time it appears to the Governor that it is not practicable to give prisoners, or any particular group or category of prisoners, the opportunity to take exercise or spend time in the open air due to exceptional circumstances pertaining in that prison, or in any other prison, he may order in writing that such prisoners or group or category of prisoners shall not be given the opportunity to do either or both of the activities mentioned in paragraph (1) until such time as he considers that it is so practicable.

(4) If the Governor makes an order under paragraph (3), he shall—

(a) specify in the order the reasons why he is making it;

(b) record in the order the date and time it is made;

(c) take such steps as are practicable to notify prisoners subject to the order of the effect of the order; and

(d) provide a copy of the order to the Secretary of State.

(5) An order made under paragraph (1) shall cease to have effect 48 hours after the time at which it was made unless the Secretary of State specifies in a direction made before the expiry of that period that the order shall continue to have effect until revoked by a further order made by the Governor or by a further direction made for that purpose by the Secretary of State.

Section 15 Amendment of rule 76 of the principal rules

Rule 76 of the principal Rules (recreation) shall be amended by the insertion after paragraph (2) of the following paragraph:—

(3) The extent to which any prisoner or group or category of prisoner may at any time be permitted to use facilities provided, or to participate in recreational activities organised, by virtue of this rule shall be determined in accordance with the system of privileges established under rule 40.

Section 16 Amendment of rule 80 of the principal Rules

Rule 80(4) of the principal Rules (removal from association) is amended by the insertion in sub-paragraph (e) after the word “made” of the words “and provide him with a copy of the written order”.

Section 17 Substitution of rule 86 of the principal Rules

For rule 86 of the principal Rules (control of admission of visitors) there is substituted the following rule:—

Admission and searching of visitors

(86)

(1) Where any person seeks to enter a prison as a visitor, an officer may ask the visitor—

(a) to state his name and address and the purpose of his visit; and

(b) to deposit for the duration of the visit any article in his possession which the officer considers may be prejudicial to security, good order or safety.

(2) Without prejudice to any power of search referred to in the Act, an officer may ask any person who seeks to enter a prison as a visitor to consent to a search of—

(a) his person and any of his personal possessions; and

(b) his open mouth, but without the use of force or any instrument.

(3) A visitor shall not be asked in terms of paragraph (2) to remove, nor shall a search thereunder involve the removal of, any of his clothing other than an outer coat, jacket, headgear, gloves and footwear.

(4) Where in the course of a search undertaken in terms of paragraph (2) an officer finds any prohibited article, he may seize and detain that article.

(5) Where a person seeking to enter a prison as a visitor is in charge of any vehicle which he intends to take into any area forming part of the premises of the prison, an officer may ask the visitor to consent to a search of that vehicle.

(6) Without prejudice to the powers conferred by section 41 of the Act , an officer may refuse to admit a visitor where—

(a) the visitor refuses to comply with a request made in terms of paragraph (1); or

(b) the visitor refuses to give consent for the purposes of paragraph (2) or (5) or, having given consent, is obstructive in the course of the relevant search.

(7) Where a visitor is searched by an officer under section 41(2A) of the Act—

(a) the officer carrying out the search shall be of the same sex as the visitor;

(b) the search shall be undertaken outwith the sight of any prisoner, any other visitor or officers who are not of the same sex as the visitor; and

(c) the search shall be carried out as expeditiously and decently as possible.

(8) Where a visitor is searched with his consent in terms of paragraph (2)—

(a) the officer carrying out the search shall be of the same sex as the visitor; and

(b) the search shall be carried out as expeditiously and decently as possible.

(9) Without prejudice to rule 63(1) or section 41(3) of the Act, an officer may terminate a visit and remove the visitor from the prison where—

(a) the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the visitor has in his possession or is taking out, or attempting to take out, any article which the Governor has not authorised the visitor to convey into the prison or any article which may be prejudicial to security, good order or discipline; or

(b) the visitor’s conduct is prejudicial to security, good order or safety.

(10) Where a person visiting a prison has been allowed to take any vehicle into any area forming part of the prison, an officer may ask the visitor to consent to a search of the vehicle prior to leaving the prison.

(11) Where an officer refuses admission to a visitor or terminates a visit in terms of this rule, he shall record particulars of the matter, including his reasons.

(12) The Governor shall ensure that a notice explaining the effect of the provisions of this rule, of section 41 of the Act and of any direction made for any purpose specified in rule 63(2) shall be displayed prominently in the visits area of the prison.

Section 18 Amendment of rule 87 of the principal Rules

Rule 87 of the principal Rules (viewing of prisons) is amended by substituting for paragraph (3) the following paragraph:—

(3) Without prejudice to paragraph (2), no person viewing the prison shall be permitted to take a photograph or make a film of a prisoner or an officer unless he has obtained the prior consent of the prisoner or officer.

Section 19 Amendment of rule 88 of the principal Rules

Rule 88(2)(d) of the principal Rules (searching of prisoners) is amended by omitting the words “if the prisoner agrees,”.

Section 20 Insertion of new rule 88A in the principal Rules

After rule 88 of the principal Rules there is inserted the following rule:—

Compulsory testing for controlled drugs

(88A)

(1) This rule applies where an officer, acting under the powers conferred by section 41B of the Act (testing prisoners for drugs), requires a prisoner to provide a sample for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has any controlled drug in his body.

(2) In this rule “sample” means a sample of urine or any other description of sample specified in the authorisation by the Governor for the purposes of section 41B.

(3) When requiring a prisoner to provide a sample, an officer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, inform the prisoner—

(a) that he is being required to provide a sample in accordance with section 41B of the Act; and

(b) that a refusal to provide a sample may lead to disciplinary proceedings being brought against him.

(4) An officer shall require a prisoner to provide a fresh sample, free from any adulteration.

(5) An officer requiring a sample shall make such arrangements and give the prisoner such instructions for its provision as may be reasonably necessary in order to prevent or detect its adulteration or falsification.

(6) A prisoner who is required to provide a sample may be kept apart from other prisoners for a period not exceeding one hour to enable arrangements to be made for the provision of the sample.

(7) A prisoner who is unable to provide a sample of urine when required to do so may be kept apart from other prisoners until he has provided the required sample, save that a prisoner may not be kept apart under this paragraph for a period of more than 5 hours.

(8) A prisoner required to provide a sample of urine shall be afforded such degree of privacy for the purposes of providing the sample as may be compatible with the need to prevent or detect any adulteration or falsification of the sample; in particular a prisoner shall not be required to provide such a sample in the sight of a person of the opposite sex.

Section 21 Amendment of rule 91 of the principal Rules

Rule 91(3) of the principal Rules (special escorted leave) is amended—

(a) by substituting for sub-paragraph (c)(ii) the following:—

(ii) a life prisoner assigned the security category limited category D; and

(b) by substituting for the words “the term of imprisonment which he is serving at the time of his application” in sub-paragraph (d) the words “his sentence”.

Section 22 Omission of rule 93 of the principal Rules

Rule 93 of the principal Rules (production of prisoners to court etc.) is omitted.

Section 23 Amendment of rule 95 of the principal Rules

Rule 95 of the principal Rules (reports of breaches of discipline and removal from association) is amended—

(a) by substituting for paragraph (2) the following paragraph:—

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), where any officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a prisoner has committed a breach of discipline he may, if he considers it appropriate to do so, remove the prisoner from association with other prisoners in general pending the making of a report in terms of paragraph (1) and the adjudication of the charge of breach of discipline.

(b) by substituting for the word “order” in paragraph (3) the word “removal”.

Section 24 Amendment of rule 96 of the principal Rules

Rule 96 of the principal Rules (disciplinary charges) is amended by the insertion after paragraph (2) of the following paragraph:—

(3) Where an untried prisoner is reported for a suspected breach of discipline on the day before his trial is due to commence, or on the day of (or any day during) his trial, the officer concerned may delay bringing a charge in accordance with the foregoing provisions until the relevant criminal proceedings are concluded and, where the prisoner is sentenced to imprisonment, the officer may bring the charge no later than 48 hours after the time at which sentence is passed.

Section 25 Amendment of rule 98 of the principal Rules

Rule 98 of the principal Rules (adjudication of charges) is amended by the insertion after paragraph (4) of the following paragraph:—

(5) It shall be a defence for a prisoner charged with a breach of discipline contrary to paragraph (x) of Schedule 3 to show that—

(a) the controlled drug had been, prior to its administration, lawfully in his possession for his use or was administered to him in the course of a lawful supply of the drug to him by another person;

(b) the controlled drug was administered by or to him in circumstances in which he did not know and had no reason to suspect that such a drug was being administered; or

(c) the controlled drug was administered by or to him under duress or to him without his consent in circumstances where it was not reasonable for him to have resisted.

Section 26 Amendment of rule 100 of the principal rules

(1) Rule 100 of the principal Rules (Governor’s punishments) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In rule 100(1)(e) there are inserted after the words “prisoner” the words “, or a person sentenced to be detained under section 206 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (the detention not being without limit of time),”.

(3) In rule 100(5)—

(a) after the word “prisoner” where it first occurs there are inserted the words “, or a person sentenced to be detained under section 206 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (the detention not being without limit of time),”; and

(b) after the word “prisoner” where it occurs in sub-paragraph (b) there are inserted the words “or person so detained under section 206 of the said Act of 1975”.

Section 27 Insertion of rule 101A into the principal Rules

After rule 101 of the principal Rules (suspended punishments) there is inserted the following rule:—

Review of punishments following transfer of a prisoner to hospital

(101A)

(1) This rule applies in respect of any prisoner who is transferred to hospital by virtue of a direction made under section 71 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 .

(2) In the case of a prisoner to whom this rule applies, the Governor shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the direction is made, review any award of additional days or, as the case may be, forfeiture of remission of sentence which has effect in relation to the prisoner.

(3) In carrying out such a review as is mentioned in paragraph (2), the Governor shall consult the medical practitioner having responsibility for the treatment of the prisoner at the hospital to which he has been transferred for the purpose of assessing whether the breach of discipline in respect of which any such punishment as is mentioned in paragraph (2) has been imposed may have been committed at a time when the prisoner was suffering from mental disorder.

(4) Having regard to any opinion of the medical practitioner referred to in paragraph (3), the Governor may—

(a) remit or mitigate any award of additional days; or

(b) restore, or partially restore, any remission of sentence which has been forfeited.

(5) If the Governor exercises the powers conferred on him by paragraph (4) he shall forthwith notify in writing the prisoner and the managers of the hospital in which he is detained.

Section 28 Amendment of rule 104 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 104 of the principal Rules (requests and complaints to the residential officer) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In the heading to rule 104 the words “Requests and” are omitted.

(3) For paragraph (1) there is substituted the following paragraph:—

(1) A prisoner who desires to make a complaint concerning any matter, other than a matter to which rules 102, 103, 108, 108A, 110, 111 and 112 apply, may do so subject to and in accordance with the following provisions of this rule.

(4) In paragraphs (2), (4), (5) and (7) the words “request or” are omitted in each place where they occur.

Section 29 Amendment of rule 105 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 105 of the principal Rules (requests and complaints to the residential unit manager) is amended in accordance with the following paragraph of this rule.

(2) In the heading to rule 105 the words “Requests and” are omitted.

(3) In paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (5) the words “request or” are omitted in each place where they occur.

Section 30 Amendment of rule 106 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 106 of the principal Rules (referral of requests and complaints to the internal complaints committee) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In the heading to rule 106 the words “requests and” are omitted.

(3) In paragraphs (1) to (7) and (11) the words “request or” are omitted in each place where they occur.

Section 31 Amendment of rule 107 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 107 of the principal Rules (referral of requests and complaints to the Governor) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In the heading to rule 107 the words “requests and” are omitted.

(3) In rule 107(1) for the words from “a request” to “the request or” inclusive there are substituted the words “a complaint which he referred to it, he may refer the”.

(4) The words “request or” in each place where they occur in paragraphs (2) to (6) of rule 107 are omitted.

(5) In rule 107(7) the words after “writing” are omitted.

Section 32 Amendment of rule 108 of the principal Rules

(1) Rule 108 of the principal Rules (requests and complaints to the Governor in relation to confidential matters) is amended in accordance with the following paragraphs of this rule.

(2) In the heading to rule 108 the words “Requests and” are omitted.

(3) The words “request or” in each place where they occur in rule 108 are omitted.

(4) Rule 108(3) is amended by the insertion at the end of the words “and shall return the written complaint in a sealed envelope”.

Section 33 Insertion of rule 108A into the principal Rules

After rule 108 of the principal Rules (requests and complaints to the Governor in relation to confidential matters) there is inserted the following rule:—

Complaints concerning medical treatment

(108A)

(1) A prisoner who desires to make a complaint to the medical officer concerning any aspect of the care provided by any medical officer at the prison may do so subject to and in accordance with the following provisions of this rule.

(2) The prisoner shall, if he desires to make such a complaint, give a sealed envelope containing the written complaint to the residential officer, who shall convey the complaint without delay to the medical officer.

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving a complaint in terms of paragraph (2), the medical officer shall send a copy of the complaint to the Governor.

(4) If a prisoner requires assistance with the making of a complaint, an officer appointed by the Governor for the purpose shall provide such assistance as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.

(5) The medical officer shall consider the complaint and reply to the prisoner within 7 days of the date on which the complaint was made except where it is not reasonably practicable for him to do so.

(6) A prisoner may refer his complaint concerning any aspect of the care provided by any medical officer of the prison to the Secretary of State if he is dissatisfied with the reply given by the medical officer in terms of paragraph (5), but the Secretary of State shall be under no obligation to consider the complaint unless it has been so referred.

(7) The Secretary of State shall give a written decision within 14 days of the date on which the complaint has been referred to him except where it is not reasonably practicable for him to do so.

(8) The Secretary of State shall inform the prisoner, the Governor and the medical officer of his decision; and the Governor and the medical officer shall each take any such action as he is required to take to give effect to any instruction which the Secretary of State makes in relation to the complaint.

Section 34 Omission of rule 109 of the principal Rules

Rule 109 of the principal Rules (referral of requests and complaints to the Secretary of State) is omitted.

Section 35 Amendment of rule 110 of the principal Rules

In rule 110(1) of the principal Rules (requests, complaints and representations to the Secretary of State in relation to certain matters) the words “Notwithstanding rule 109,” are omitted.

Section 36 Substitution of rule 111 of the principal Rules

For rule 111 of the principal Rules (appeals in relation to disciplinary proceedings) there is substituted the following rule:—

Appeals in relation to disciplinary proceedings

(111)

(1) A prisoner who is found guilty of any breach of discipline may, where any officer other than the Governor adjudicated the charge, appeal in writing to the internal complaints committee not later than 14 days after the date on which the charge was adjudicated—

(a) against such a finding of guilt and any punishment imposed in respect of the breach; or

(b) in the case of any punishment imposed under rule 100(1), against the punishment only.

(2) An appeal under paragraph (1) shall be dealt with as if it were a complaint made under rule 106 and the Governor shall, if recommended to do so by the internal complaints committee,—

(a) quash any finding of guilt; or

(b) remit or mitigate any punishment (other than a punishment imposed under sub-paragraph (b), (d), (g) or (i) of rule 100(1) where the period for which the punishment was imposed has expired by the date of the decision of the appeal).

(3) If a prisoner who has appealed under paragraph (1) to the internal complaints committee is dissatisfied with the decision of the committee and refers the matter to the Governor under rule 107, the powers of the Governor under rule 107(6) shall include the same powers as mentioned in paragraph (2) above.

(4) Following the conclusion of the appeals procedure in relation to an appeal under paragraph (1), a prisoner shall not be entitled to make any further request, complaint or appeal under this Part of these Rules in relation to the same matter to which the breach of discipline in question related, except for any request which he may make in terms of rule 112 in relation to a punishment imposed in terms of rule 100(1)(e) or (f).

Section 37 Substitution of rule 112 of the principal Rules

For rule 112 of the principal Rules there is substituted the following rule:—

Requests for restoration of forfeited remission or rescinding awards of additional days

(112)

(1) Without prejudice to rule 111(1), if a prisoner who is serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of more than 3 months desires to make a request for the—

(a) remission or mitigation of any award of additional days which has been made in terms of rule 100(1)(e); or

(b) restoration of any remission of sentence which has been forfeited in terms of rule 100(1)(f),

he may make that request in writing directly to the Governor.

(2) The Governor shall not consider any such request as mentioned in paragraph (1) unless the relevant period has elapsed; and in this rule “the relevant period” means the period which in the Governor’s opinion represents a sufficiently large proportion of the balance of the prisoner’s sentence remaining to be served after the date on which the relevant punishment was imposed.

(3) Where, at the expiry of the relevant period mentioned in paragraph (2), the Governor is of the opinion that—

(a) the prisoner’s conduct has been exemplary throughout that period; or

(b) the prisoner has at any time during that period demonstrated particularly meritorious conduct which, by itself, might justify the grant of the prisoner’s request,

the Governor may grant the request either in whole or in part.

(4) The Governor shall inform the prisoner of his decision in writing within 7 days of the date on which the relevant period mentioned in paragraph (2) has elapsed or, if the request was made at any time after that date, within 7 days of the date on which it was made.

(5) Where the Governor has refused a request made in terms of paragraph (1) or has granted the request only in part, the prisoner may, if he is dissatisfied with that decision, complain to the Governor.

(6) The Governor shall consider the complaint within 7 days of the date on which it was made except where it is not reasonably practicable for him to do so.

(7) The Governor shall inform the prisoner of his decision in relation to the complaint in writing.

(8) Where the Governor has—

(a) refused a request made in terms of paragraph (1) or has granted the request only in part; and

(b) decided not to review that decision following a complaint made in terms of paragraph (5) or, in considering the complaint, has decided to grant the original request only in part,

the prisoner may make a further request in terms of paragraph (1).

(9) The Governor may at any time, irrespective of whether any request is made by a prisoner, review any decision under paragraph (3) in which he refused the prisoner’s request or granted the request only in part.

Section 38 Insertion of new rule 112A into the principal Rules

After rule 112 of the principal Rules there is inserted the following rule:—

Power of Secretary of State to quash findings of guilt and to remit or mitigate punishments

(112A)

(1) The Secretary of State may in relation to a prisoner who has been found guilty of any breach of discipline—

(a) quash any finding of guilt;

(b) remit or mitigate any punishment (other than a punishment imposed under sub-paragraph (b), (d), (g) or (i) of rule 100(1) where the period for which the punishment was imposed has expired); or

(c) substitute another punishment which is, in the Secretary of State’s opinion, less severe.

(2) If the Secretary of State quashes any finding of guilt, the Governor shall destroy any record in the prisoner’s file which relates to the alleged breach of discipline except where the record, or a part of it, relates to any other finding of breach of discipline which continues to form part of the prisoner’s record.

Section 39 Substitution of rule 113 of the principal Rules

For rule 113 of the principal Rules (Direction with respect to requests, complaints and appeals) there is substituted the following rule:—

Direction with respect to complaints procedures

(113)

(1) The Secretary of State may provide in a direction such conditions as he considers appropriate with respect to the form and manner in which—

(a) any complaint as mentioned in rules 104 to 108A may be made or referred; and

(b) any reply or decision in relation to such a complaint may be given.

(2) The Governor shall ensure that—

(a) supplies of any form specified in a direction made for the purposes of paragraph (1); and

(b) information as to where prisoners may obtain assistance in the completion of any such form,

are readily available to prisoners.

Section 40 Amendment of rule 120 of the principal Rules

Rule 120 of the principal Rules (short home leave, Christmas and summer leave and pre-Training for Freedom leave) is amended by substituting for sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (3) the following sub-paragraph:—

(b) is either—

(i) a life prisoner; or

(ii) a prisoner serving a sentence for a term of more than 1 year and who has served not less than 6 months or one third of the term of the sentence, whichever expires the later;

Section 41 Insertion of rule 120A into the principal Rules

After rule 120 of the principal Rules (short home leave, Christmas and summer leave and pre-Training for Freedom leave) there is inserted the following rule:—

Local leave

(120A)

(1) In this rule, “local leave” means the temporary release of an eligible prisoner for a period not exceeding 8 hours for the purpose of enabling him to meet any person outwith the prison—

(a) in the town in which the prison is situated or in the town which is nearest to the prison; or

(b) at some other place approved by the Governor.

(2) On the application of an eligible prisoner and subject to rule 126, the Governor may grant a prisoner local leave if he is of the opinion that, having regard to the relevant criteria applicable to the granting of such leave, it is appropriate to do so.

(3) For the purposes of this rule, a prisoner is an eligible prisoner only if at the time of his application—

(a) he is confined at a prison or in a particular hall of a prison to which this rule applies;

(b) he is either—

(i) a life prisoner; or

(ii) a prisoner serving a sentence for a term of more than 1 year and who has served not less than 6 months or one third of the term of the sentence, whichever expires the later;

(c) he is assigned security category D and has been assigned that category for at least 6 weeks prior to his application;

(d) he has previously been granted short home leave on at least one occasion and the Governor was satisfied with his conduct during that leave;

(e) where he has previously been granted local leave, at least one month has elapsed since the date on which he was last granted local leave; and

(f) he is not disqualified from consideration for any reason specified in rule 124.

Section 42 Amendment of rule 121 of the principal Rules

Rule 121 of the principal Rules (long home leave) is amended by substituting for sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (3) the following sub-paragraph:—

(b) is a prisoner serving a sentence for a term of more than 1 year and who has served not less than 6 months or one-third of the term of the sentence, whichever expires the later;

Section 43 Substitution of rule 123 of the principal Rules

For rule 123 of the principal Rules (unescorted exceptional day release of prisoners in security category D) there is substituted the following rule:—

Unescorted day release of prisoners in security category D

(123)

(1) In this rule, “unescorted day release” means the temporary release for a period not exceeding one day of an eligible prisoner who is, for the time being, assigned security category D for the purpose of enabling him—

(a) to visit any relative who it appears to the Governor is dangerously ill;

(b) to attend the funeral of a near relative;

(c) to visit a parent who is either too old or too ill to travel to the prison; or

(d) to attend at any place for any other reason where the Governor is of the opinion that the circumstances warrant it.

(2) For the purposes of this rule, a prisoner is an eligible prisoner only if at the time of his application he is—

(a) not an untried or a civil prisoner; and

(b) not disqualified from consideration for any reason specified in rule 124.

(3) The Governor may grant unescorted day release on the written application of an eligible prisoner.

Section 44 Insertion of rule 123A into the principal Rules

After rule 123 of the principal Rules there is inserted the following rule:—

Temporary release for work or educational placements

(123A)

(1) The Governor may grant temporary release to an eligible prisoner for the purpose of enabling the prisoner—

(a) to undertake an unescorted work placement outside prison in terms of rule 70; or

(b) to attend unescorted at a college, university or other educational establishment in order to participate in vocational training or an educational class.

(2) For the purposes of this rule, a prisoner is an eligible prisoner only if at the time of the temporary release being granted—

(a) he is not disqualified from consideration for any reason specified in rule 124; and

(b) he is assigned either security category D or limited category D.

(3) The Governor shall not grant temporary release under this rule to a prisoner who is assigned security category limited category D unless he has obtained the prior consent of the Secretary of State.

Section 45 Amendment of rule 124 of the principal Rules

Rule 124 of the principal Rules (circumstances where prisoners are disqualified from consideration for temporary release) is amended by the substitution for the words “rules 120 to 123” of the words “rules 120 to 123A”.

Section 46 Amendment of rule 126 of the principal Rules

Rule 126 of the principal Rules (direction with respect to temporary release) is amended by the substitution for the words “rules 120 to 123” of the words “rules 120 to 123A”.

Section 47 Amendment of rule 130 of the principal Rules

Rule 130 of the principal Rules (searches of officers and employees) is amended in paragraph (1) by substituting for the words from “If the Governor” to “safety, he” the words “Without prejudice to any power of search referred to in the Act, the Governor”.

Section 48 Amendment of rule 133 of the principal Rules

Rule 133 of the principal Rules (constitution of visiting committees) is amended by substituting for paragraphs (1) to (5) the following paragraphs:—

(1) On and after 1st April 1996 there shall be a visiting committee constituted in accordance with this rule for each prison specified in column 1 of Schedule 4.

(2) The members of a visiting committee constituted in accordance with this rule for each prison specified in column 1 of Schedule 4 shall be appointed in accordance with this rule by the council or councils specified in column 2 of that Schedule in relation to that prison and each such council shall appoint the number of members of the committee specified in column 3 of that Schedule in relation to that council.

(3) In appointing the members of a visiting committee for each prison specified in column 1 of Schedule 4 each council responsible for appointing the members shall ensure that the total number of members specified in column 3 of that Schedule in relation to that prison and council shall include not fewer than the number of members specified (where a number is specified) in column 4 of that Schedule in relation to that prison and council being persons who are not members of the council which appoints them.

(4) Any person with a direct financial interest in any contract for the supply of goods or services to any prison shall not be eligible for appointment to a visiting committee in terms of this rule.

(5) The member or members of a visiting committee to be appointed by a council in terms of paragraph (2) shall be appointed at a meeting of the council held at any time prior to 1st April 1996 and thereafter shall be so appointed at a meeting of that council held not later than 2 months after the date of—

(a) the ordinary election of councillors in 1999; and

(b) the ordinary election of councillors every third year thereafter.

(5A) Any member of a visiting committee appointed by a council in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (5) shall—

(a) in the case of the first members to be appointed, take office on 1st April 1996 and shall hold office, unless he earlier ceases to hold office by virtue of paragraph (6), until the day prior to the day which falls 2 months after the date of the ordinary election of councillors in 1999; or

(b) in the case of the members to be appointed after the ordinary election of councillors every third year after 1999, take office on the day which falls 2 months after the date of the respective ordinary election of councillors and shall hold office, unless he earlier ceases to hold office by virtue of paragraph (6), until the day prior to the day which falls 2 months after the date of the next ordinary election of councillors.

Section 49 Amendment of rule 134 of the principal Rules

Rule 134 of the principal Rules (proceedings of visiting committees) is amended by inserting at the end of paragraph (7) the words “as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant proceedings”.

Section 50 Insertion of rule 140A into the principal rules

After rule 140 of the principal Rules (conflicts of interest) there is inserted the following rule:—

Visiting committees for legalised police cells

(140A)

(1) On and after 1st April 1996 there shall be a visiting committee constituted in accordance with this rule for the legalised police cells specified in column 1 of Schedule 4A to these Rules.

(2) The members of a visiting committee for the legalised police cells specified in column 1 of Schedule 4A shall be appointed in accordance with this rule by the council or councils specified in column 2 of that Schedule in relation to those cells and each such council shall appoint the number of members of the committee specified in column 3 of that Schedule in relation to that council.

(3) In relation to the legalised police cells specified in Schedule 4A and to the visiting committees constituted in accordance with this rule and to the members and officers of any such committees, the following provisions of these Rules shall apply subject to the modifications specified in paragraphs (4) to (7):—

(a) in rule 133, paragraphs (4) to (8);

(b) in rule 134, paragraphs (1) to (3) and (6) and (7);

(c) rule 135;

(d) rule 136;

(e) rule 137;

(f) rule 138;

(g) rule 139; and

(h) rule 140.

(4) The provisions specified in sub-paragraphs (a) to (h) of paragraph (3) shall apply as if—

(a) any reference to “prison” were a reference to the relevant legalised police cells;

(b) any reference to “Governor” were a reference to the constable who is in charge of the cells.

(5) Rule 134(7) shall apply as if the words “the Governor and to” were omitted.

(6) Rule 137 shall apply as if for the words from the beginning to the word “fortnightly” read “A member of a visiting committee shall visit the legalised police cells on at least one occasion in a month if any prisoners have been detained in the cells within the preceding month”.

(7) Rule 138 shall apply as if—

(a) in paragraph (1), the words after “inspect” read “records relating to the legalised police cells and any record kept at the cells which relates to a prisoner who is or has been detained in them.”; and

(b) in paragraph (2), the words “prison records” read “any such records as mentioned in paragraph (1)”.