Custody provision within Scotland’s new single police service is operating effectively, although remains a high risk area.
The HMICS report Thematic Inspection of Police Custody Arrangements in Scotland says detainees are generally well cared for and treated with respect and dignity with staff demonstrating professionalism and genuine desire to look after those in their care.
The report also notes there are an increasing number of detainees at police custody centres who are vulnerable due to complex medical, mental health and alcohol and drug dependencies. The report acknowledges the new custody healthcare arrangements being rolled out across Scotland by local NHS Boards, with increased opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of those in police custody.
The report states that custody conditions across Scotland vary widely, with many custody centres requiring significant investment to maintain or improve detainee and staff security and health and safety.
The effective leadership of Police Scotland’s Custody Division is highlighted, but the report identifies constraints in future planning due to the lack of detail about budgets and staffing. There is a genuine focus on improvement and organisational learning within the division, but it has more to do to achieve consistency of practice at local level.
HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Derek Penman, said: "Following our scrutiny work it is our assessment that Police Scotland inherited a disparate landscape of custody facilities, staffing models and procedures from the eight legacy forces and has done well to introduce consistent policy and procedures across Scotland."
Commenting on the rising number of vulnerable detainees in police custody centres, Mr Penman said, "Fundamentally, rather than providing an interim custodial service, Police Scotland is increasingly caring for highly vulnerable individuals with complex healthcare needs."
"New opportunities to work with partners in the NHS, social care and voluntary service through local community planning partnerships should be explored to ensure that people in our communities are cared for in the most appropriate setting and their vulnerability is suitable managed while within police custody and beyond."
"However, as a matter of urgency, Police Scotland should finalise the Custody Estate Strategy and work in partnership with the Scottish Police Authority and Scottish Government to prioritise investment in the custody estate."
The report also looked at previous inspections into custody arrangements, with Mr Penman adding:
"HMICS is satisfied that relevant learning from our previous custody thematic inspections has been taken forward by Police Scotland."
This inspection is part of an on-going programme of custody inspections which contribute to the UK’s response to its international obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).
