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xPolice custody inspection report
Date: 18th March 2025
Category:
Child justice system, Detention
A new inspection of police custody facilities in Glasgow has raised concerns about children being held in police cells for longer than necessary. The report, conducted by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, found that some children were detained for extended periods despite being charged with minor offences.
Inspectors reviewed 90 custody records from July 2024 and discovered five cases where children were held for an "inappropriate" length of time. These included a 13-year-old held for over six hours, three 14-year-olds detained for six, 10, and 12 hours respectively, and a 16-year-old held overnight for more than nine hours. None of these children were being held for court, and there was no evidence that a custody inspector had reviewed or approved their detention.
The inspection covered custody centres at London Road, Govan, and Cathcart police stations, which collectively have 145 cells. The London Road facility has six specially designed cells for young detainees, as well as a dedicated processing area and an age-appropriate video explaining custody procedures. However, inspectors found that this facility was no longer being used as the main location for detaining young people, with no clear reason given for the change.
The report made six recommendations, including four for Police Scotland and two for Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, which provides custody healthcare. It highlighted staff shortages as a major concern, with some custody sergeants supervising up to 40 detainees at a time. Inspectors also found that senior officers often worked from home or on compressed hours, reducing management oversight.
Despite these concerns, the report noted positive aspects, such as good healthcare provision, well-managed property arrangements, and positive feedback from detainees about their treatment. However, it urged Police Scotland to improve record-keeping, staffing levels, and management presence to ensure safe and effective custody operations.