Warm clothing handed out to detainees in court's chilly custody cells

Staff at Perth Sheriff Court's custody unit had to hand out warm clothing to detainees because the cells were so cold, according to a new report.

An unannounced inspection of the unit last October revealed graffiti, structural damage, dampness as well as inadequate ventilation and heating.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) said some damage had been present for several years, and previous recommendations made in 2020 had not been addressed.

Inspectors concluded that the unit requires substantial refurbishment to bring it up to "an acceptable standard of decency and hygiene".

The court custody unit (CCU), which is used to hold people before and after court appearances, has five cells and is able to accommodate 14 detainees.

The inspectors noted: "The cells were cold at the time of inspection, with staff reporting that conditions deteriorated significantly during the winter months.

"CCU staff had independently maintained a supply of warm clothing, sourced at their own initiative, to provide to custodies due to the cold temperatures in the cells.

"This was observed first-hand by inspectors during the visit, by a custody complaining of being cold and asking for a blanket."

The inspection found that staff working within the unit were professional, motivated and demonstrated a "clear commitment" to the care and safety of the people in their custody.

But it said the physical condition of the CCU was "poor", with inspectors noting "significant deterioration" throughout the unit.

It said, that like many other CCUs, there were no accessible toilets or accessible routes for disabled people internally or from the rear courtyard due to stairs.

The report said: "This meant the CCU was incapable of safely accommodating disabled people.

"The solution was to hold people in custody with mobility issues in witness rooms, with access to disabled toilets next to the public areas within the court building awaiting their appearance in court."

Inspectors noted that the doors, walls, and ceilings of the cells showed that extensive graffiti and general deterioration had been present for many years, with "date stamped" damage.

One cell had plaster falling from the walls and required repainting.

The inspectors said this issue had previously been identified as a recommendation during a 2020 HMIPS inspection.

They said: "The poor state of repair and inadequate heating and ventilation collectively contributed to an environment that did not meet the reasonable expectations of custodial standards."

The inspectors made seven recommendations, including repairs and repainting of cells and corridors, and improvements to heating and ventilation to ensure safe and humane temperatures.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, Sara Snell, said: "Staff at Perth's court custody unit demonstrated the importance of this little seen role, showing care for, and a clear understanding of, the needs of the individuals in their custody.

"The poor and deteriorating condition of the physical environment falls short of the basic standards expected and represents a real challenge across Scotland for many ageing court custody buildings.

"The unit requires urgent investment to ensure it provides a safe, decent and humane environment for both staff and those held there."

A Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) spokesperson said: "We welcome the HMIPS report and its findings on the inspection of the court custody provision at Perth Sheriff Court.

"SCTS will continue to work with Scottish Prison Service and HMIPS to consider future changes that maintain human decency and the safety, security and welfare of people held in custody."