Dr. Adrew McLellan’s report follows an inspection of Scotland’s legalised police cells, in which prisoners can be detained for up to 30 days. 

The Inspector’s report outlines some serious concerns.  Cells, it states, lack basic furniture and their toilets are not screened while exercise in the open air is often not an option for prisoners.  Lack of information is also highlighted as a problem with prison rules and information on how to access Visiting Committees or make a complaint plus other notices not always available.

Such police cells are based in nine police stations none of which are near prisons.  These are located at Lerwick, Kirkwall, Thurso, Stornoway, Lochmaddy, Oban, Campbeltown, Dunoon and Hawick.    

Commenting on publication of the report McLellan said:

"Prisoners form only a very small proportion of people detained in police custody.  The conditions and treatment of prisoners being held in the cells are therefore likely to be similar to those being detained in short-term police custody.

"The conditions are very bleak.  Prisoners do not even have a chair on which they can sit and eat a meal.  Toilets in cells are also unscreened.  Boredom is a real problem.

"A lack of available information means that prisoners may not know how to access the Visiting Committee or make a formal complaint.  Although responsibility for supervising these prisoners remains a matter for the police, SPS also has a responsibility and as far as can be achieved within the constraints of police cells, prisoners being held should have access to conditions similar to those in a prison."