Further Detail

During the 242 successful visits to custody suites and interviews with 436 detainees there were no recorded concerns relating to torture inhumane treatment or significant breaches of human rights and therefore no OPCAT related concerns.

However, during the period there was one occasion when significant concern was raised regarding an individual detainee who had not been afforded reasonable access to washing/showering facilities.

As highlighted during a visit in the North region it was reported by the independent visitors that a detainee had been held in custody for 2 days and 9 hours and custody staff had not been able to respond to the request from the detainee for access to a shower during this time. The initial response from the on-duty supervisor was that the reason for the failure to provide access to showering facilities was due to limited staffing resources.

This issue has been raised with the Divisional Commander for CJSD who is keen to understand the circumstances and explore new approaches to ensure a shower for a prolonged stay in custody is available where necessary. There are a number of complex interdependencies between staffing and the gender balance that has led to this situation, but it is accepted that a solution should have been found.  CJSD are currently consulting on CJ PCSO shift pattern changes across the majority of Scotland and this will afford another opportunity to ensure team construction is as conducive as possible to meet a range of demands such as this.

In delivering this report SPA staff have reviewed all visitor report forms submitted during April – June 2022 and highlighted key findings and areas for continuous improvement within Police Scotland’s Custody estate.

Appendix A details key activity carried out by the scheme, access issues that visitors have experienced, feedback on custody staff and estate, detainee rights issues and any issues that have been escalated.

It should be highlighted that data quality remains an issue for the scheme and one we are working hard to resolve. There is still ongoing work to connect the data to a dashboard which will allow for more detailed reporting on visitors' observations.

The ICVS Management Review described in section 1.3 of this report was delivered in Q1 this year. A detailed Improvement Plan has been created and reported to the Vice Chair of the Authority. The 5 key recommendations and indicative completion dates are provided below:

A redesign of the ICVS operating model should be undertaken to ensure processes and procedures (including data collection/utilisation) are robust. The redesign should aim to ensure that the visitors’ observations provide assurance of good practice in Police Scotland Custody and have maximum impact in the continuous improvement of the care, welfare and dignity of those held in police custody. This re-design should use, where possible, the good areas of practice identified within the ICVS’ current operating model. (Q4 2022)

Provide training and support for the ICVS staff to enable the embedding of an assurance and improvement culture within the operating model of the ICVS. (Q4 2022)

 The ICVS, in consultation with the Visitors, should redesign the Visitor Form to ensure accurate capture of quantitative and qualitative data which will lead to improved reporting and continuous improvement of Custody provision. (Q3 2022)

As part of the redesign of the ICVS the Authority should seek to digitise their service.

Create and implement a framework that formalises the process of reporting and escalation. (Q2 2023)