Privacy and ventilation concerns highlighted at Dundee Sheriff Court custody unit

A court custody unit in Dundee requires improvements to protect detainee privacy and strengthen safety procedures, according to a new report.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland published its inspection report on Dundee Sheriff Court’s custody unit on Tuesday, following an announced inspection on November 6, 2025.

Inspectors found the facility to be clean, generally well-maintained and staffed by knowledgeable, motivated personnel. The unit’s manager was also praised for her strong understanding of procedures despite being relatively new to the role.

But the report also identified several issues, resulting in six recommendations and three advisories for improvement.

HMIPS said it will monitor progress on the recommendations through its ongoing inspection programme.

“Staff at Dundee’s Court Custody Unit demonstrated competence, compassion and a clear understanding of their responsibilities,” the chief inspector said.

“However, important improvements are required to protect privacy, strengthen risk assessment processes and ensure the environment meets basic safety and decency standards.”

Inspectors raised concerns about how detainees are processed when they arrive at the unit. The layout of the reception area means new arrivals can often be seen and heard by others already in custody.

Open-fronted cells located nearby were said to contribute to a “loud, chaotic and intimidating environment”, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Inspectors recommended a full review of reception and processing arrangements, especially for people transferred from police stations or prisons outside Dundee.

The report found inconsistencies in how risk assessments were carried out. Welfare questions covering issues such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, racism, homophobia and bullying were routinely asked of detainees arriving from Police Scotland’s Dundee Police Station, but not always of those arriving from other police stations or prisons.

Inspectors also highlighted that handcuff risk assessment forms often lacked detailed explanations, making it difficult to review decisions properly. The watchdog described this as a national issue that it intends to examine further.

Inspectors also reported ventilation problems in the custody cells, with air vents across the unit found to be inactive. Current ventilation levels fall below international human rights guidance, the report states.

The facility was also deemed unable to safely accommodate disabled people because of limitations with internal and external access. Temporary arrangements currently rely on using alternative rooms elsewhere in the court building.

Although risk assessments were under review, some operational documentation had not been updated. Tracking records had not been revised since 2021, and contingency plans were four months overdue for their annual review.

Despite the concerns, inspectors highlighted one example of good practice involving a detainee who reported being assaulted before his arrest.

Staff carried out appropriate checks, offered medical assistance, documented their decisions and placed the individual under enhanced observation as a precaution.

Among the key recommendations, inspectors called for the removal of a whiteboard displaying detainees’ names in public view, improvements to ventilation, more consistent risk-related questioning, enhanced suicide and self-harm assessment practices, and an annual review of contingency plans.

A SCTS spokesperson said: “We welcome the HMIPS report and its findings on the Court Custody Provision at Dundee Sheriff Court.

“SCTS will continue to work with GEOAmey to consider future changes that maintain human decency and the safety, security and welfare of people held in custody.”