Drugs testing of Scots inmates entering and leaving jail has been criticised by prison watchdogs.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Brigadier Hugh Monro raised the issue as he called for testing of prisoners to be reviewed as current procedures are "insufficiently sophisticated".

He recommended Scottish Prison Service (SPS) headquarters should review reception and exit testing for illegal drugs, pointing out that three prisons do not test inmates on arrival as they do not receive prisoners straight from court.

He also said the current testing process was "insufficiently sophisticated to provide governors with an accurate picture of drug taking within their prisons".

Brigadier Monro raised the issue in a new report looking at conditions in Glenochil Prison. As well as making a number of recommendations for Glenochil, his report also raised wider issues for the SPS.

In addition to calling for a review of reception and exit testing for illegal drugs, it recommended the SPS examines the time that prisoners are waiting to be assessed for and participate in violence prevention programmes.

Unsatisfactory

His report said there was a "very long list" of prisoners waiting to be assessed for this and other programmes at Glenochil and stated: "This is an unsatisfactory situation and should be addressed."

The inspector also highlighted the need to provide comprehensive specialist and role-specific training for prison staff.

Brigadier Monro said: "I am raising these particular concerns with the Scottish Prison Service as they are issues that require further development. I am confident that these are on the radar and hope that my report will assist the SPS to deliver the required outcomes."

In his report Brigadier Monro said Glenochil was providing the minimum requirements for staff training but added that "little else is achieved".

The report also noted it was "of concern" that staff there reported they had not been trained to cope with the prison`s change of role to accommodate short-term prisoners as well as long-term ones in 2007.

He also said he was "concerned" about the number of prisoners who stayed in the prison halls during the day, pointing out that on one afternoon during the inspection 483 inmates were in the halls, with only 181 taking part in structured activities, visits or other appointments.

Brigadier Monro added this situation should improve once a major modernisation and redevelopment programme at the jail was completed.

Inspection

But he said: "I shall be keen to see a significant increase in the number of prisoners involved in structured out-of-cell activity when I return for my follow-up inspection."

The report highlighted 10 separate areas of good practice at the jail and Brigadier Munro stated: "My report shows that Glenochil is performing well in key operational areas and has demonstrated ten examples of good practice.

"The establishment is in the final stage of a major reconstruction and refurbishment programme, and I was pleased that staff and management were able to maintain good standards throughout this period of considerable disruption."

A Scottish Prison Service (SPS) spokesman said: "SPS is pleased to note that HMP Glenochil is recognised as a safe prison with low levels of violence and particularly good staff/prisoner relations. This is a reflection on the high levels of professionalism and commitment shown by staff and partner agencies."

He said the prison service had a "well-equipped and well-trained workforce", adding: "Training remains pivotal to the ongoing development of the service, with a number of programmes either recently approved or well under progression."

The SPS spokesman said the number of prisoners who tested positive for illegal drugs when they were released was "relatively low".

But he also stated: "SPS is not complacent in relation to the need to improve processes. Consequently, by early 2011, SPS will have reviewed the current suite of measures available and seek improvement where necessary."