Matheson launches new overarching justice strategy
A new justice strategy plan for communities and civil society was unveiled by Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson today, timed to coincide with the start of demolition work at Cornton Vale women’s prison.
Justice in Scotland: Vision and Priorities, which supersedes the Strategy for Justice in Scotland, published in 2012, outlines seven priorities and will be supported by annual delivery plans.
Aiming to deliver safe communities and based on the principles of prevention and early intervention to reduce crime, an efficient and effective justice system, and services and interventions designed around people, the plan has been agreed by the Justice Board, which has members from the Government and nine other bodies operating within the system.
The seven priorities set out in the plan are:
- enabling communities to be safe and supportive, with individuals exercising their rights and responsibilities;
- enabling people, economy and infrastructure to respond to major risk, recover from emergencies and adapt to emerging threats;
- modernising civil and criminal law and the justice system to meet the needs of people in the present century;
- working to improve health and wellbeing in justice settings, focusing on mental health and substance use;
- working to identify offenders quickly and ensure responses are proportionate, just, effective and promote rehabilitation;
- improving the experience of victims and witnesses, minimising court attendance and supporting them to give best evidence;
- using prison only where necessary to address offending or to protect public safety, focusing on recovery and reintegration.
It also recognises the challenges posed by increasing inequality, adverse childhood experiences, deprived communities, the still-high prison population, the poor mental and physical health of those in contact with the system, and emerging crimes and threats, along with the impact of Brexit.
Key actions for 2017-18 in the first delivery plan include publication of a long term strategy for policing with implementation and financial plans, maximising effectiveness of the new powers in the Criminal Finances Act 2017 to increase the recovery of the proceeds of crime, and programmes to reduce violence.
Mr Matheson said that while crime had fallen over the last decade, "we strive for greater progress, not least while inequality continues to influence the likelihood of someone being a victim of crime or being drawn into offending. This is among the challenges outlined in the Vision paper, which also highlights the relatively poor physical and mental health of people in contact with the justice system".
He added: “While our imprisonment rate – the second highest in western Europe – remains too high, prisons will always be necessary for those who commit the most serious offences, or who pose significant risks to public safety. The Scottish Prison Service is transforming how they work to better rehabilitate those in custody, addressing underlying issues that can often drive their return to jail. With the demolition of Cornton Vale under way, there is no turning back on our plans for a smarter, more progressive approach to managing women in custody, ensuring they are prepared for life after release.
“That is why I am also pleased to announce that the first two community custodial units for west and east Scotland will be in Glasgow and in Fife or Dundee. By housing women in smaller, community-based units closer to their families, and providing additional support to address their needs, such as drug and alcohol advice or mental health support, we can further reduce reoffending – and so keep crime down and our communities safe.”