Detainees transferring to the establishment are safe and their needs are met. On arrival, detainees are treated with respect and any risks are identified and addressed. Detainees are safe and supported on their first night. Induction is comprehensive.

5. Detainees are transported to the establishment safely and in accordance with their needs.

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

  • Detainees know where they are going and what to expect when they arrive.
  • Escorting staff are aware of detainees’ individual needs. All necessary information identifying issues relating to risk or self-harm is recorded in the detainee escort record. This is completed thoroughly and accompanies the detainee on their journey.
  • Confidential information that travels with the detainee is securely sealed and is only accessed in an emergency.
  • Detainees are escorted in suitable vehicles which are safe, secure, clean and comfortable and are fully equipped to cater for their different needs.
  • Escorting staff can easily observe detainees and detainees are always able to communicate with staff. Escorting staff regularly check on detainees’ welfare.
  • Women, children (see Appendix II, note ii) and adult men are transported in separate vehicles.
  • Women and girls are transported in vehicles with a female escorting staff member.
  • Detainees are given adequate comfort breaks and refreshments during transfer, according to their specific needs.
  • Detainees arrive wearing suitable clothing for their continued detention.
  • Detainees’ personal belongings accompany them during their transfer to the establishment.
  • Detainees are not made to wait outside the establishment in vehicles. There is an ongoing risk assessment of all detainees where there is a delay in reception processes.
  • Detainees arrive at the establishment early enough to allow reception and first night procedures to be conducted effectively.

6. On arrival, detainees are treated with respect, their individual risks are identified and necessary support is implemented.

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

  • The reception area is a welcoming and supportive environment.
  • All searches are undertaken by staff of the same sex as the detainee.
  • Detainees are only strip-searched when there are evidenced or justified security concerns. Strip-searching is appropriately authorised with a written record of the justification and authorisation. It is carried out in private by more than one member of staff. Children are only ever strip-searched in the presence of an appropriate adult.
  • The needs of newly arrived detainees are promptly assessed to ensure their safety, with particular attention to the risk of suicide and self-harm.
  • Staff use all existing, up-to-date information about a detainee to complete a risk assessment.
  • Private interviews with establishment and health care staff identify a detainee’s vulnerability and risk.
  • Staff use accredited translation and interpreting services to communicate with detainees whose first language is not English whenever accuracy and confidentiality is important.
  • Staff understand that some detainees, such as those transferring to prison and those convicted of sexual and other serious offences, might be at heightened risk.
  • Staff understand the different ways in which detainees may present mental health problems and other vulnerabilities and respond appropriately.
  • Detainees identified as vulnerable are given immediate and appropriate support.
  • Appropriate action is taken to identify children or other dependants (see Appendix II, note iii) who may be at risk because of their carer’s detention, and to ensure their safety where necessary.
  • The parents and guardians or closest relative of children detained are informed of their whereabouts, unless this is not in the best interests of the child.
  • Peer supporters are used effectively to support detainees in the reception area.
  • Detainees are provided with their personal property on their first night.
  • Detainees are moved quickly to their first night accommodation.

7. Detainees are safe on their first night in the establishment.

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

  • Staff responsible for first night accommodation are aware of and manage any immediate detainee vulnerability or risk.
  • Room sharing risk assessments which take account of offending behaviour are carried out for all detainees.
  • Children do not share a room with adults other than in exceptional circumstances, when this is in their best interests and with their consent. Decisions take account of their need for social interaction and the impact of potential isolation.
  • Women and girls do not share a room with men or boys.
  • Detainees not yet sentenced are located separately from other sentenced detainees.
  • Detainees know how to access help and support from staff on their residential unit.
  • Detainees can shower and get a hot meal.
  • Detainees can make a free telephone call, subject to any immediate public protection concerns.
  • Detainees receive basic essential items such as toiletries and bedding.
  • Peer supporters are used effectively to support detainees.
  • Regular welfare checks are carried out on new arrivals throughout their first night.

8. Detainees are promptly inducted and supported to understand life in the establishment.

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

  • Detainees receive a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and easy-to-understand induction which informs them about the rules, regime and practicalities of day-to-day life in the establishment.
  • Detainees who have not been convicted or charged are identified promptly and supported to exercise their legal rights.
  • Detainees under sentence are informed about their sentence length and how to earn remission in a way they understand.
  • Detainees are told about any final decision to retain them in, or discharge them from, the Armed Forces. Where no decision has been reached, detainees are told why they have been provisionally designated as either ‘retained’ or ‘discharged’ for the purposes of their detention.
  • Induction includes a private conversation with a member of staff to identify and address any outstanding concerns, with a clear focus on anxiety caused by detention and its implications.
  • Detainees transferring to prison receive additional support to help them cope with the implications.
  • Detainees’ immediate needs, such as maintaining accommodation, managing debts and supporting dependants, are identified and met.
  • Detainees know about the support available to help them manage their specific needs and experiences, for example relating to domestic violence or trauma.
  • All detainees are meaningfully occupied during induction and are promptly allocated purposeful activity.
  • Detainees are supported to arrange their first social visit.

Human rights standards

In relation to expectations 5 to 8, human rights standards set out a range of standards relating to arrival and early days in custody, including requiring detainees to be provided with information about their place of detention in a language and format they understand, identifying their health care and other needs, ensuring their safety and allowing them to inform someone of their whereabouts. As a general rule, women and men, adults and children (see Appendix II, note ii), and untried and sentenced detainees should not share rooms but should be allowed the benefits of undertaking activities and socialising together (subject to supervision). Detainees must be transported safely in suitable vehicles. See ICCPR 10; CRC 37(c); EPR 14–16A; 18.8, 24.8–24.9, 30, 32; SMR 7–9, 30, 34, 54, 55, 73, 112; BOP 16; BR 6–7; ERJO 59–60, 62, 99; HR 21–27, 29. See also CM/Rec(2010)4 23, 81; CPT/Inf(2018)24, Transport of detainees.