Joint review of police custody recommendations

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Inspection reports

26th August 2026

Since 2023 HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland have jointly undertaken a programme of inspections aimed at assessing the treatment of individuals detained at police custody centres across Scotland. Our reviews have looked at the physical conditions in which detainees are held, as well as analysing the quality of the custody centres operations at each location, and the healthcare services provided. Having published 10 such joint custody inspection reports to date, in which we made a total of 45 recommendations to Police Scotland and 104 recommendations to NHS boards, we took the decision to carry out a review of the progress made against these recommendations. The findings set out in this report are primarily drawn from our published joint inspection reports and our examination of progress made on recommendations during this review. As part of this joint review, HMICS inspectors also examined custody records on the National Custody System (NCS) to assess operational practice, interviewed custody staff, supervisors and senior officers, and carried out onsite visits to observe custody operations and assess implementation of inspection recommendation in practice. Inspection work carried out by HIS included the analysis improvement plans, evidence submissions and internal risk assessments, as well as undertaking focus groups with key partners to gather system-wide insight and triangulate findings. The resultant report identifies where progress has been made against recommendations and also highlights ongoing challenges. It also makes two new recommendations for Police Scotland concerning its custody operations, and one for NHS boards in relation to healthcare provision within police custody.

12. Police custody plays a critical role within Scotland’s criminal justice system, providing a controlled environment for the lawful detention and processing of individuals. Custody centres must balance operational efficiency with a strong focus on the care, welfare and rights of detainees, many of whom present with complex and acute needs.

13. HMICS has a statutory responsibility to provide independent scrutiny of policing, including custody services, to assess their state, effectiveness and efficiency. HIS, as the national improvement agency for health and social care, provides scrutiny and assurance on the quality and safety of healthcare delivered within custody. Through joint inspection activity, both organisations support continuous improvement and contribute to a consistent, rights-based approach.

14. A significant proportion of individuals entering police custody present with vulnerabilities, including mental ill health, substance use issues and physical health needs. These factors increase risk during detention and require coordinated multi-agency assessment and management.

15. Demand on police custody varies across Scotland and is influenced by geographic and operational factors. While overall capacity may be sufficient nationally, pressures arise at peak times, alongside ongoing challenges relating to workforce resilience and the condition of the custody estate.

16. Healthcare provision within police custody is delivered by NHS boards and is a core component of detainee care. The principle of equivalence requires that individuals receive healthcare comparable to that available in the community. However, inspection evidence highlights variation in delivery, including access to specialist services, digital infrastructure, and clinical governance arrangements.

17. Effective partnership working between Police Scotland, NHS boards, HSCP and wider justice partners is essential to ensuring safe custody services and positive outcomes for individuals, particularly in relation to healthcare access, diversion and continuity of care.

18. Against this backdrop, HMICS and HIS have undertaken a programme of joint custody inspections to assess custody operations and healthcare provision across Scotland. While these have identified positive practice, they have also highlighted recurring themes and systemic challenges. This review therefore considers progress within a context of ongoing operational pressures and the need for sustained custody transformation to deliver safe, consistent and rights-based services.

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