Statistics revealed by the Scottish Government has shown that Tayside has the highest reconviction rate in Scotland at 33.9% (one year reconviction 2010-11). Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Perth and Kinross all had reconviction rates above the national average of 28.4%.
Tayside also topped the reconviction rates for statistics released in September 2012 (detailing one year reconviction rates in 2009-10). Reconviction has increased in Tayside from 33.6% to 33.9% between 2009-10 and 2010-11. Perth and Kinross and Stirling all now have reconviction rates above the national average when compared to last year’s statistics.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes that these statistics indicate that prison is currently failing to act as a suitable deterrent as well as failing to rehabilitate offenders.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“These figures make for worrying reading. Reoffending is increasing in Tayside, Perth and Kinross and Stirling.
“I fully recognise and commend the professionalism and hard work of those working in the prison services, but the Scottish Government must offer them more support.
“Prison must act as a deterrent to prevent re-offending but it must also provide adequate facilities to rehabilitate criminals and prevent future law-breaking, it is currently failing in both these roles.
“On the whole reconviction rates are reducing throughout Scotland, therefore to have an increase in Tayside is troubling. Furthermore, for reconviction rates to increase above the national average in Perth and Kinross and Stirling shows that prison currently isn’t working in these areas.
“The Scottish Government must work harder on its justice strategy in order to provide better opportunities for criminals who have been recently released. Furthermore, prison must act as a suitable punishment to deter those from breaking the law again.”