6. To ask the Scottish Government what conditions are placed on the use of mobile phones that have been allocated to prisoners during the Covid-19 outbreak. (S5O-04409)

A number of restrictions and security controls will be placed on prisoners’ use of mobile phones, which will be similar to those that are in place for the existing prison telephone system.

The receiving party will be notified that the call originates from a prison. Such mobile phones will be able to call only the phone numbers that are already on an approved call list. However, in addition, people who are in custody will be able to contact the Samaritans from them at any time.

Calls can only be made from and cannot be received on such phones. All calls will be recorded. It will also not be possible to access the internet or to send or receive text messages using them. In addition, security seals will be fitted to each battery. If those are damaged, the phone will be removed.

I fully appreciate the need for prisoners and their families to be able to continue to communicate at a time when visiting is not possible because of the pandemic.

Does the cabinet secretary believe that there are no reasonable opportunities for such mobile phones to be misused, and that technology for monitoring calls is fully in place? Has he been made aware of any incidents in which misuse might have occurred? Further, will he confirm whether the Scottish Government plans to withdraw the phones from prisoners after the Covid-19 outbreak has ended?

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

I did ask for brevity, Mr Halcro Johnston.

In brief, use of such phones has not yet been rolled out. The existence of the security provisions is exactly why we are taking the necessary time over that. As the current phone system is not 100 per cent risk free, I cannot sit here and give Jamie Halcro Johnston an absolute assurance that there will be no issues whatsoever. However, I can assure him that if any should be identified they will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.