Watchdog gives Reliance verdict

Reliance is moving forward, according to Audit Scotland

The performance of a security firm which released 12 prisoners in error in its first months of operation is improving, according to a watchdog.

The releases have taken place since April, when Reliance began transporting inmates in the west of Scotland.

The Audit Scotland report was ordered by Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson after several high profile escapes.

However, Auditor General Robert Black has found that 98% of prisoners are getting to court on time.

The escape of a convicted murderer was the first in a number of embarrassing mistakes for Reliance.

It happened only a few days after it took over the contract to escort prisoners to court.

Contract questions

Questions then arose about the company's competence, as sheriffs and lawyers complained about prisoners arriving late.

Mr Black described the start of Reliance's prisoner escort service as "uncertain".

However, the firm's £126m contract is gradually being extended across Scotland.

The report found that the private guards were at fault for 12 out of 23 prisoners who were released in error.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson ordered a probe

Police, court staff and the prison service were responsible for the other 11.

The firm started work in the Strathclyde Police area and has since taken on responsibility for services in Dumfries and Galloway, and Central Scotland.

Mr Black also revealed that Reliance was ranked third out of three firms that tendered for the contract in terms of its ability to do the work.

The technical evaluation carried out by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) covered six categories, including secure custody and maintaining order.

The report said: "Reliance was ranked in third place in respect of the technical evaluation but its bid was still assessed as offering a level of service that met the requirements of the business case.

'Intrinsically sound'

"Taking all of the elements of the tender evaluation together, the SPS assessed that Reliance's bid represented the best value for money overall."

But it added: "Despite the releases in error for which it was responsible, there are signs that the performance of Reliance is improving."

Ms Jamieson said she was pleased the report found the contract was "intrinsically sound" and that the letting of the contract had been handled well by the prison service.

The minister said: "The performance of Reliance, the SPS and their partner agencies in delivering the new service will continue to be scrutinised both by auditors and ministers.

"As I have continually made clear, further roll-out of the service will only happen after I have received assurances from SPS and others that they and Reliance are ready to deliver the new service in a way which protects public safety."