Report published 4 September 2023

Court custody facilities in Surrey and Sussex

Type of inspection: Full unannounced inspection

Dates of inspection: 12– 22 July 2023

Summary of findings: The main agencies involved in the delivery of court custody in Surrey and Sussex worked well together and custody facilities had improved since the last inspection. Staff shortages were causing disruption, however, resulting in detainees arriving late at court and spending longer in custody than necessary and children failing to receive support from specialist staff. The lack of accessible custody facilities for people with disabilities or impaired mobility often meant they were transferred to a location far away from home. Arrangements for their return were not always adequate.

Points to note: Inspectors could not understand the continued reluctance to use interpretation services with detainees whose English was limited, an issue which has been raised before.

Read the report: Surrey and Sussex court custody