A new Suicide Prevention Strategy for Polmont Deaths has been implemented by the Scottish Prison Service following the tragic deaths of Katie Allan, 21, and William Lindsay, 16, at Polmont Young Offenders’ Institute in 2018. These young individuals passed away within months of each other, prompting the SPS to issue a formal apology to their families and vow to prevent further suicides in their care.
Ms. Allan, a Glasgow University student, was found deceased on June 4 while serving a 16-month sentence related to a drink-driving incident that caused serious injury. On the other hand, Mr. Lindsay, who had previously made multiple suicide attempts in 2017, tragically died in his cell on October 7, just three days after being remanded due to a lack of space in a children’s unit.
Following a fatal accident inquiry held at Falkirk Sheriff Court, Sheriff Simon Collins made recommendations on January 17 to address the underlying issues that led to these heartbreaking deaths. In response, the SPS announced a series of measures aimed at providing enhanced support to vulnerable young individuals facing challenging circumstances in custody.
Enhanced Support and Suicide Prevention Initiatives
One of the key changes initiated by the Scottish Prison Service involves the removal of all bunk beds from cells used by prisoners aged 18 to 21. Additionally, the Talk To Me suicide prevention scheme has been revamped to ensure that individuals are monitored under the program for a minimum of 72 hours post-admission, with a review scheduled for completion this year and a new policy set to be implemented by 2026.
Moreover, the SPS has committed to conducting regular cell audits using a risk assessment toolkit to identify and mitigate suicide risks promptly. Any fixtures posing potential hazards will be promptly addressed to enhance the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals. The implementation of suicide prevention technology at Polmont is also being explored, with a report expected by January 2026.
Furthermore, the prison service plans to review the items prisoners are allowed to purchase and receive by the end of 2025, with a focus on promoting safety and addressing potential risks within the institution. Recommendations such as rip-resistant bedding have been made to strike a balance between safety measures and the overall well-being of inmates.
Accountability and Ongoing Reforms
While the SPS has accepted responsibility for the tragic deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay, solicitor Aamer Anwar, speaking on behalf of the families, described the apology as “too little too late.” He called for greater accountability from prison officials and highlighted the need for urgent reforms to prevent future deaths in custody.
Anwar emphasized the importance of immediate action in implementing all recommendations to ensure the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals. He urged the government to prioritize the transfer of critical information to the prison estate upon admission to prevent any further tragedies.
Teresa Medhurst, the SPS chief executive, expressed sincere regret for the deaths of Katie and William, acknowledging the need for tangible actions to address systemic failures and save lives in the future. She underscored the duty of care that the SPS has towards vulnerable youth in custody, emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships and providing essential support during times of crisis.
In response to the tragic events at Polmont, Justice Secretary Angela Constance extended her condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing all recommendations from the inquiry. She stressed the urgency of operational changes to prevent similar incidents and announced an independent review of the FAI system to enhance the efficiency and trauma-informed nature of investigations.
As the Scottish Prison Service moves forward with its Suicide Prevention Strategy, the focus remains on fostering a safe and supportive environment for all individuals in custody. By acknowledging past failings and implementing proactive measures, the SPS aims to prevent future tragedies and uphold its duty of care to vulnerable populations. The commitment to continuous improvement and accountability underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being within correctional facilities.
