Scottish Prison Service Responds to Illegal Mobile Phone Use in Prisons
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has stated it is taking all possible measures to prevent the illegal use of mobile phones following the emergence of videos showing prisoners partying and apparently using drugs within a maximum security prison.
These videos, filmed without authorization, have been posted on TikTok and depict inmates behind bars. One clip features a prisoner stating:
"Who said life in jail was hard?"
Mobile phones are prohibited in prisons, and their use can result in disciplinary measures or criminal prosecution.
Videos Originating from HMP Addiewell
As initially reported by the Daily Record, the videos seem to have been recorded inside HMP Addiewell, Scotland's only privately-operated prison, located in West Lothian.
The social media clips show inmates dancing and rapping, while others appear to be under the influence of drugs. One video shows prisoners consuming drugs while watching the Old Firm football match held last month.
Among the prisoners featured is Ben McCulloch, who is serving a nine-and-a-half-year sentence after being convicted of the murder of his friend Stephen Quigley in March 2021.
Facility Details and Management
HMP Addiewell is managed by Addiewell Prisons Ltd, with operational management subcontracted to Sodexo Justice Services. The facility has a capacity of just under 800 inmates and houses convicted adult males as well as men on remand.
Sodexo Justice Services states on its website that it aims to:
"change lives for the better by operating safe, decent and secure prisons"
The primary contract for the prison is between Addiewell Prisons Ltd and the Scottish Prison Service.
Security Measures and Contraband Prevention
The SPS has been implementing security enhancements such as installing grills on cell block windows to prevent drones from delivering contraband items, including mobile phones, drugs, and weapons.
A prison official speaking to BBC Scotland News noted that an iPhone can be valued at £5,000 within prison walls.
Official Responses to the Videos
In response to the TikTok footage, an SPS spokesperson said:
"We understand the lasting impact this kind of offending has on families and the significant distress such videos can cause.
Our staff work hard to keep prisons safe and secure, using all available technology and intelligence to prevent illicit items, including mobile phones, entering our establishments.
While we do not comment on individuals, we continue to work with Police Scotland, and other partners, to take action against those who attempt to breach our security."
An HMP Addiewell spokesperson added:
"We constantly review our practices and deploy a range of tactics to prevent such items from being introduced.
We take these matters extremely seriously. Any individual found in possession of illicit items is immediately reported to the relevant authorities, with appropriate action taken."
