Security and freedom of movement
Detainees feel secure. They have a relaxed regime with as much freedom of movement as is consistent with the need to maintain a safe and well-ordered community.
17. Detainees are able to live in an environment where security is proportionate and there is as much freedom of movement as is consistent with the need to maintain a safe and well-ordered community.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- The centre provides an open and relaxed environment, and strives to provide living conditions that are as near as possible to normal life in the community.
- Detainees’ freedom of movement is limited only by the requirements of safety and good order. They are not locked in rooms.
- There are no obvious weaknesses or anomalies in the physical and procedural security of the centre.
- Routine searching involves a rub/pat down search by someone of the same gender as the detainee in the presence of at least one other member of staff.
- There is no routine strip-searching of detainees. This is only carried out exceptionally and for sound security reasons. It is recorded and authorised by senior managers and conducted in the presence of another member of staff.
- There is no routine room searching. Searching of detainees’ bedrooms is on the basis of specific intelligence only. Detainees are informed that their bedrooms or personal property are being searched and of the reasons for the search. Their bedrooms and personal possessions are left in the same condition in which they were found.
- Restraints are not used during escort, including to medical or any other appointments outside the centre, unless justified by individual risk assessment.
18. Detainees’ well-being is safeguarded by effective security intelligence systems and a robust approach to misconduct or illegal behaviour by staff.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- The elements of dynamic security are in place: relationships between staff and detainees are positive and detainees feel safe to report concerns; detainees are treated as individuals and receive personal attention from staff.
- Security systems are sufficient to identify current and emerging threats to the well-being of detainees and the safety of the centre.
- Effective intelligence and security measures guard against the trafficking of drugs or alcohol.
- Detainees know how to make confidential complaints about staff, and are confident that the system works effectively.
- Immediate protection from reprisals is provided to detainees and staff who report misconduct or ill-treatment by staff.
- Reports of misconduct and ill-treatment are investigated by a competent and appropriately senior and independent authority.