Reports published 17 February

West Midlands and Warwickshire courts

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 2–14 December 2024

Summary of findings: Insufficient progress had been made against the recommendations of the 2016 inspection: only half had been achieved or partially achieved. Too many facilities were in poor condition or not clean enough, more needed to be done to support detainees with disabilities, and the lack of GeoAmey staff and/or vehicles was leading to late arrivals at court and delays in prison transfers. Release processes were inconsistent and too little was being done to understand and address detainees’ personal circumstances.

Points to note: The use of handcuffing and searching was now more proportionate and health provision had been transformed.

Read the report: West Midlands and Warwickshire courts

Inspection of escort and removals to Portugal

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 5 and 6 November 2024

Summary of findings: Both removals were generally well organised and journey times before boarding were not excessive. However, escort paperwork detailing detainees’ risks, vulnerabilities and known medical conditions and medications was incomplete and inaccurate. More needed to be done to protect detainees’ privacy throughout the removal process.

Points to note: While some staff did not introduce themselves to the detainees, they were friendly and respectful, and inspectors saw evidence of staff using good communication skills and sensitivity to de-escalate a potentially volatile situation. Detainees were given an information leaflet about removal, but it was generic and did not include specifics such as flight departure or arrival times.

Read the report: Escort and removals to Portugal