[7] The duties of escorting prisoners on remand and managing court custody facilities were the responsibility of the relevant local police force.

[7] In November 2003, the SPS signed a contract on behalf of the Scottish Ministers for a "Prisoner Escort and Court Custody Service".

The current contract is due to expire in January 2027, subject to an optional extension for a period of up to 4 years.

The scheme involves getting released prisoners a roof over their heads, sorting out their benefits and medical needs, and showing them that someone cares about them.

"[13] The SPS has been featured in many TV shows including Prison: First & Last 24 Hours on Sky One which was broadcast between 28 October 2015 and 5 December 2016.