This thematic inspection of the care and welfare of persons detained in police custody in Scotland aims to build on previous related inspections carried out by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland. In 2008, three thematic inspections were carried out examining police custody facilities, care of detained and arrested children, and medical services for people in police custody. The recommendations from these various thematic inspections were accepted by Scottish forces and influenced significant improvements in policy, practice and procedure.
Number | Recommendation |
|---|---|
1 | Consideration should be given to developing a staffing model for custody which is risk based, gender compliant, and flexible enough to meet demand. This recommendation is directed at all forces but in the expectation that this area will be reviewed through the establishment of the Police Service of Scotland (PSoS). |
2 | The single ‘handover’ form under development by ACPOS is recognised as emerging good practice and should be introduced throughout Scotland to ensure an accurate, consistent and auditable means of transferring knowledge and responsibility for custodies from one shift to the next. |
3 | Grampian Police should urgently explore the feasibility and affordability of installing an interim cell call capability in all cells at the Aberdeen custody suite until the move to a new custody facility. |
4 | In moving towards a single Police Service of Scotland, there is an early need for the new service to develop and implement a standardised method of recording information in the custody environment. In due course, a single data management system should also be introduced. |
5 | Post-reform, the Police Service of Scotland should examine healthcare provision across the entire police custody estate to consider the most appropriate needs at each location based on both assessment of risk and affordability. This should extend to providing clear direction to staff for the effective management of the care and welfare of prisoners with mental health issues. |
6 | Post-reform, the Police Service of Scotland should develop a standard national training course for staff working in the custody setting and that this should include a refresher training programme to support ongoing staff development. |