Phones in prison cells - that's the call from a think tank in Scotland

Jan 09, 2019, 11:22 AM

Landline phones should be provided in prison cells to help in-mates maintain contact with families on the outside, that's according to a new report. Currently most prisoners can only access pay phones in communal areas. Independent think tank 'Reform Scotland' said this makes it difficult to have confidential family conversations - and they think introducing in-cell phones would help prisoners' rehabilitation. Should prisoners be able to keep more regular - and more private - contact with their families? Or have they given up that right by committing crime? Vinny got the views of former Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan and commentator Fionola Meredith.