Safeguarding adults and personal safety
Detainees are escorted safely with due regard for their vulnerability. Security and good order are maintained through proportionate operational arrangements and force is only used as a last resort.
2. Security and good order are maintained through effective, reasonable and proportionate operational arrangements.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Detainees are searched sensitively and the gender ratio of staff is appropriate to care for men and women.
- Instructions to detainees are clear, reasonable and respectful.
- Rules are applied openly, fairly and consistently.
- The behaviour and appearance of staff are not threatening or intimidating.
- The purpose of any protective measures, such as filming of detainees during boarding, is explained to detainees and in advance whenever possible.
3. Force is only used as a last resort, to the minimum degree and for the shortest possible time.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Force is used only when all non-violent means of securing compliance have failed. It is comprehensively recorded and subject to rigorous management monitoring and governance.
- Staff are trained in and routinely use de-escalation techniques.
- Force is never used against pregnant women simply to effect removal. It is only used to prevent harm.
- Restraints are only used as a last resort and for the shortest possible period. Restraints are necessary, proportionate and properly authorised.
- Detainees subject to control and restraint procedures are seen by a health care practitioner as soon as possible after restraint is removed.
- Use of force data are monitored and any emerging patterns are identified and acted on.
- Use of force documentation and associated CCTV or video footage is scrutinised by senior managers to identify opportunities for improvement and possible ill-treatment. Any concerns are investigated, lessons are learned and appropriate action is taken.
- Detainees transported separately are in appropriate vehicles, and monitored closely for their physical, emotional and mental well-being. Staff keep accurate records.
4. Detainees feel and are safe from bullying and victimisation.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Detainees are supervised and safe at all times.
- Staff are alert to potential bullying and all forms of victimisation.
- Staff wear identification and challenge colleagues whose behaviour falls below acceptable standards.
- Detainees are protected from unwanted sexual attention.
- Male and female detainees and children are transported separately, unless related.
- Staff are aware of their personal and professional responsibility to safeguard adults at risk and undergo appropriate training.
5. Adults who are at risk of harm or suicide receive personal and consistent support to address their individual needs and have unhindered access to help.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it:
- There are effective procedures for managing the risks of self-harm, e.g. individual observation logs.
- Staff show care for those who are distressed or are vulnerable to harm, record significant events and refer quickly to medical staff when necessary. There is continuity of care throughout the removal process.
- All staff are fully trained in suicide prevention and understand contingency and intervention plans.