Children and adults held in custody for longer than necessary, police inspector finds

Children have been held in police custody for extended periods without a clear rationale, police inspectors have found.

There were also a number of incidents in which adults had been detained despite decisions being taken to release them – with the worst case being a person held for an extra 25 hours.

The report from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland has urged Police Scotland to move “at pace” to improve custody services following a series of inspections.

It warned that pressures were being exacerbated by financial issues, but these made tacking challenges relating to an ageing estate and workforce planning all the more pertinent.

Assistant Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland Brian McInulty said: “Our custody inspection review outlines that progress has been made against several recommendations – however, a number of thematic issues have persisted.

“These ongoing challenges relate to the custody operating model, the ageing custody estate, staffing and workforce planning, and operational practices associated with the supervision of vulnerable detainees, including children and those assessed as high risk.

“While we recognise that many of these pressures are exacerbated by financial constraints and the increasing vulnerability of the custody population, we consider that further action is required at pace to progress outstanding recommendations and secure sustained improvement.”

The report found there had been a reduction in the number of children held in custody and there had been improvements to arrangement in place for minors.

However, it also found some children were being held for longer than necessary without clear reasons being logged in the system. Some of this was caused by delays in children being picked up by care providers.

There was also inconsistent recording of reasons for strip searches being conducted.

On staffing, the inspectorate warned of “inconsistent leadership and oversight” – particularly for new or less experienced staff.

It also concluded the staffing ratio was widely viewed as “unsafe and unsustainable”.

However, the report welcomed improvements in healthcare provision across custody centres. Progress was found in equipment and medicines management, infection prevention and control, and clinical governance.

But there were “persistent delays” in access to mental health support and inconsistencies in staff training.

The report said: “Until access to specialist mental health assessment is more timely, equitable and consistently embedded across Scotland, mental health will remain one of the highest-risk areas for healthcare in police custody.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The safety and care of individuals in custody is of the utmost importance, and this report recognises the progress that has been made by Police Scotland, NHS boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships and the work that is ongoing to deliver further improvements.

“The implementation of the report’s recommendations is a matter for Police Scotland, and we would expect them to be taken forward. The Scottish Government is always willing to assist where necessary.”