Escort staff are aware of detainees’ individual needs, and these needs are met during escort.

Transfer to service custody

3. Detainees are transported to service custody facilities 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 any 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 (see expectation 20).
  • 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 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 transfer and continued detention.
  • Detainees’ personal belongings accompany them during their transfer to and from the service custody facilities.

Human rights standards

In relation to expectation 3, human rights standards require detainees to be transported safely and in conditions which maintain their dignity and take into account their individual needs. Detainees must always know where they are going. See ECHR 2, 3, 8, 14; ICCPR 10(1); ICESCR 12; CRC 3, 37; CRPD 14; EPR 1, 15, 22, 32, 34.1, 35.4; SMR 1, 2, 7, 9, 11, 73; BOP 16, and HR 21, 22, 26, 29; ERJO 99. See also CPT/Inf(2018)24, Transport of detainees.