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Methodology
15. HMICS and HIS undertook a wide range of activities during the baseline review of healthcare provision in custody to inform the development of our custody inspection methodology. These activities are outlined in the aforementioned report published in January 2023. As a result, the following key stages have been undertaken for this inspection and will form the basis of future joint inspections.
16. HIS requested that the NHS boards complete a self-evaluation document and submit key evidence to help inform the planning of the onsite inspection. Inspectors offered a pre-meeting teleconference with healthcare staff before the site visit to provide an outline of the inspection process. HIS inspectors also issued a letter to request a follow-up meeting with NHS managers to allow the inspection team to discuss key issues arising from the onsite inspection and the review of evidence.
17. During the inspection, we examined the treatment of, and conditions for, detainees at the centres. We observed key custody processes and assessed the custody environment, condition of cells and facilities for detainees. We undertook interviews with custody staff and managers, as well as healthcare practitioners (HCP) that were present during our visit. We also spoke with people detained in custody at the time.
18. A proportionate sample of custody records were examined from those recorded at the custody centres during the period of October 2024 to March 2025 inclusive. In a change from other custody inspections, a larger, six-month sample period was selected with an increased focus on ancillary centres. The total sample in Highland and Islands division numbered 2,277 records and 81 were inspected.
19. The sample was selected to be broadly representative of the proportions of men, women and children held in custody during the aforementioned period. Based upon this, sampling was weighted to ensure that women and children were included during random selection.
20. The review of NCS records provided valuable information on aspects of risk assessment, observation levels, and compliance with Police Scotland’s Care and Welfare of Persons in Police Custody SOP.