Police investigating footage of prison officer appearing to kiss inmate

Prison chiefs call in police to investigate footage

Police are investigating leaked hidden camera footage of a female prison officer appearing to kiss an inmate in his cell at a Scottish jail.

The minute-long video shows an HMP Addiewell prisoner being filmed from behind as the officer enters the cell. The prisoner pushes the door closed and pulls in the officer by the arm for the kiss.

The prisoner releases the officer’s arm, and the pair appear to speak briefly before the officer leaves the cell.

Prison chiefs called in police to investigate the footage, which was reportedly filmed in recent weeks.

A Police Scotland spokesperson told The Independent: “We are aware of the incident and inquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.”

A spokesperson for HMP Addiewell, which is run by private company Sodexo, confirmed the officer no longer worked at the West Lothian prison.

“We are unable to comment any further,” they added.

HMP Addiewell houses about 700 men, including both those who are convicted and those awaiting trial.

In 2019, inspectors described staffing levels at the prison as “far from ideal”.