‘I was in a Jail within a Jail’: Prisoner's Experiences of Segregation within the Scottish Prison Service

Segregation in prison is a highly researched area worldwide, however, gaps remain about the experience of individuals who reside in these units. This study was the first of its kind in the Scottish prison service (SPS). The study was exploratory, completed over two stages and used a mixed method observational design. In stage one, questionnaires were distributed to incarcerated males across eight prisons in the SPS. Questionnaires asked why participants were segregated, how they spent their time and how it felt. Responses ( n = 151) indicated participants used the segregation and reintegration unit (SRU) on multiple occasions and for significant periods of time. Participants spent their time thinking, watching TV, listening to music, and reading; few engaged in education. Most attributed negative emotions to their time in segregation, however, others felt happy ( n = 43, 29%), relieved ( n = 26, 17%), and safe ( n = 34, 23%). Responses informed the interview schedule in stage two. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven prisoners exploring their experiences of segregation, their routine, access to services/support and their views on what could be improved. Thematic analysis was employed. Interviews identified three overarching themes: impact of segregation on mental health, services and support, and reintegration.