Security

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Security measures are necessary and proportionate to the assessed risks presented by prisoners.
• Prisoners’ access to regime activities is not impeded by an unnecessarily or disproportionately restrictive approach to security.
• Prisoners have the reasons for any specific restrictions on their access to activities/services explained to them.
• There are effective information-sharing and liaison arrangements in place with relevant statutory partners, including the police.
• The separation centre’s security processes are fully integrated into the wider prison, including the submission of intelligence reports.
• Effective and responsive intelligence and security measures are in place.
• Decisions made following intelligence about the management of prisoners within the centre are proportionate and based on reliable interpretation and assessment of the information and/or intelligence. Decision-making is recorded.
• The approach to security measures takes into account the needs of those with protected and minority characteristics.
• Prisoners are only strip-searched or squat-searched if it is authorised, necessary and proportionate on each occasion. Searches are documented with recorded reasons based on specific intelligence.
• Prisoners are made aware that their cells or personal property may be searched and are notified when they are being searched. Cells/property are left in the condition they were found, and records are kept of searches.
• Mandatory drug testing (MDT) is undertaken by trained staff and takes place in a suitable environment. MDT is conducted consistently in line with protocols which ensure the validity of procedures.
• Prisoners who test positive or refuse to be tested on MDT, or who are involved in suspected drug-related incidents, are referred to substance misuse services.
• Routine searching takes place when it is necessary and proportionate.
• Prisoners receive open visits in an environment that affords as much privacy as possible. Unnecessary restrictions on physical contact are not imposed.
• Closed visits are only used where there is reliable evidence of significant risk. Any decision to use closed visits is reviewed regularly and at least monthly. Decisions are made in consultation with the relevant management team.
• There are published criteria which justify a ban or other restrictions on visitors. Those criteria relate directly to evidence of the abuse of visits.
• Decisions to ban visitors or apply other restrictions take into account the potential impact on prisoners and their visitors, including children.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners know how to make confidential complaints about staff and are confident that the system works effectively.
• Prisoners and staff know the identity of the local corruption prevention manager. and how to contact them.
• Immediate protection from reprisals is provided to prisoners and staff who report misconduct or ill-treatment by staff.
• Reports of misconduct and ill-treatment are investigated by a competent and appropriately independent authority.
• Where inappropriate or abusive practice is found, staff are held to account.
• Staff know about the arrangements for whistleblowing, feel confident about using the process and are encouraged to make appropriate use of it.