People detained in police custody in Scotland are subject to high standards of care and welfare and while there are some challenges for the new single police service there are also significant opportunities, according to a report published today by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland.
The report, entitled Thematic Inspection of the Care and Welfare of persons detained in police custody in Scotland, was published following a series of unannounced weekend visits to police detention facilities across Scotland. The inspection team found a total of 169 people detained during the inspection period and used direct engagement and dialogue with them, as well as scrutiny of the detention infrastructure, to carry out the assessments.
Findings showed that detainees were treated with dignity and respect. Of the 169 seen during the inspection, 168 were well looked after and were themselves satisfied that their care and welfare needs were being met.
However the inspection showed a wide disparity in the overall approach to custody management taken by the different police forces, and HMICS said this was something the new single police service would need to address.
HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Andrew Laing, said: "What this inspection shows us is that people detained in police custody in Scotland are treated with dignity and respect by professional staff and they have their care and welfare needs met.
"Against this positive picture there are a number of differences in approach between the current eight forces which will present the new single service with some challenges along with significant opportunities for standardisation, and the benefit that brings. That will included standardising differ the approach to risk management, staffing models, training and the provision of healthcare, and computer‐based custody management systems."
He continued: "So while the findings in this report are made within the overall framework of governance and accountability arrangements for the eight forces, there is also clear relevance in the recommendations for the Police Service of Scotland."
