A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIPS), following a visit to the court custody unit (CCU) on November 6 last year, found the facility to be clean, generally well maintained and staffed by knowledgeable and motivated personnel.

However, inspectors described the unit as “an intimidating environment” for people entering custody for the first time, warning of potential security risks “due to the proximity of multiple custodies”.

The report said: “As the custody reception was located next to cells 1 and 2 that were fitted with open fronts, custodies held in these cells could see and hear those being processed.

“They were then able to watch as staff searched new custodies in the area directly in front of them. The custodies from these cells were shouting loudly between cells to each other and to the new custodies being brought in while others were being processed nearby. It was a disrespectful, loud and boisterous environment.”

Inspectors also raised concerns about confidentiality, noting that a whiteboard displaying personal information about those in custody “was clearly displayed” in the reception area, “compromising confidentiality”.

They recommended that the whiteboard be removed and called for “urgent improvements” to ventilation. During the inspection, air vents in all cells were found to be “inactive, with no detectable airflow”.

The report stated that all individuals in custody must have access to adequate air circulation, in line with United Nations standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners.

Inspectors said: “It is therefore reasonable to expect that ventilation systems are subject to regular inspection and that filters, ducts and fans are maintained in a clean and functional condition.”

Further recommendations included improved risk-related questioning, enhanced assessment of suicide and self-harm risk, and a full annual review of contingency plans.

HMIPS said progress would be monitored through subsequent inspections.