Force can be used on people detained under immigration powers, both by Detention Custody Officers in IRCs and by escort staff during removals. Rule 41 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001 says that force shall not be used “unnecessarily”, and that “no more force than is necessary shall be used”. Home Office policy permits force […]| Medical Justice
Assessment Care in Detention Team (ACDT) is the main process for monitoring those identified to be at risk of self-harm and/or suicide and their care needs. It is led by custodial staff (not healthcare). ACDT is a system of observations (the highest level being constant watch) and regular reviews in order to “manage” this risk […]| Medical Justice
Home Office policy stipulates that segregation may be used in the interest of safety or security under Rule 40 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001, or to manage actively violent detainees under Rule 42 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001. When deciding if someone should be put in segregation their Adults at Risk Level – […]| Medical Justice
Rule 35 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001 is a mechanism which is meant to ensure that particularly vulnerable people in detention are brought to the attention of those with direct responsibility for reviewing their detention. Without an effective Rule 35 process the Home Office may not be aware of a detained person’s vulnerabilities (either […]| Medical Justice
The continuing contrast between the high levels of self-harm incidents, numbers of ACDTs and episodes of constant watch and the extremely low numbers of Rule 35 (1) and (2) reports suggests a failure to use the essential safeguarding mechanism provided by Rule 35.| Medical Justice