Police cells safety and hygiene cause concern

CONTAMINATION: Inspectors outline necessary action after faults found

Inspectors have raised concerns about the privacy of detainees in Tayside after it emerged CCTV images of toilet areas in police cells were not pixelated.

Potential ligature points were also found in cells in Arbroath and Perth, increasing the risk of detainees harming themselves.

In Dundee, “significant concerns” were raised about hygiene after cells were found “contaminated” with food, drink and body fluids.

A follow-up visit to Bell Street HQ by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) in November 2017 found that a deep clean had been carried out and daily cleaning arrangements were reviewed, with inspectors told the force will now ensure all custody cells are deep cleaned twice a year.

HMICS is concerned it took an inspection for changes to happen and there was scope for “further improvement”.

Its report stated: “Cell door hatches, walls, benches and toilets were contaminated with food and drink and bodily fluids.

“Cell corridors were messy, and the sink and shower areas were dirty and slip hazards had not been removed. Many of the mattresses and pillows were in a poor state.

“We also had concerns about the cleanliness of the kitchen which is used to prepare detainee meals as well as by custody staff for storing and preparing their own meals.

“There were potential ligature points in cells at Arbroath and Perth. The toilet areas of cells monitored by CCTV were not pixelated on the monitoring screens, compromising detainee privacy.”

The report added 15 minute observations were not carried out, which was at odds with practice elsewhere in Scotland.

However, staff working across the custody centres in Arbroath, Dundee and Perth were praised for being “professional and respectful”, with the detainees “generally satisfied” with how they were treated.

Police Scotland was told to ensure the toilet areas covered by CCTV are pixelated to preserve detainee privacy.

Chief Superintendent Garry Mcewan said: “The care and welfare of people in police custody is a top priority for Police Scotland and the report recognises many of the improvements made, including the roll out of a National Custody System and enhanced risk assessment tools.

“We recognise the recommendation made and steps are currently being taken to address this.”

nvidinova@thecourier.co.uk

We also had concerns about the cleanliness of the kitchen which is used to prepare detainee meals