The new report highlights failures already raised in several previous reviews of custody facilities across Scotland. Areas of concern include record-keeping, staff training and resourcing, delayed release of detainees, and inconsistencies between risk assessments and the care plans implemented.

The latest inspection, carried out at the Falkirk custody centre in February 2025, found several issues previously identified in other regions had not been resolved. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Craig Naylor said the time had come for Police Scotland to demonstrate real progress.

“As part of our joint custody inspection programme, we have recently published seven reports relating to custody centres across Scotland where we have assessed the treatment of, and conditions for, individuals being detained,” Mr Naylor said.

“In this latest custody report we have made no new recommendations regarding custody centre operations for Police Scotland.

“Instead, we have outlined our concerns regarding several issues which, despite previous recommendations made in our recent reports, were also evident during this inspection.

“The fact these issues are still ongoing elevates our concern regarding a lack of pace in addressing previous recommendations with national relevance.”

The Falkirk custody centre contains 29 cells and was used on 5,057 occasions in 2023–24, an increase of nearly 687 from the previous year.

Inspectors examined 40 custody records from November 2024 and found significant inconsistencies in how information was entered into the National Custody System (NCS). While some entries were comprehensive, others displayed gaps in areas such as legal rights, medical consultations, and meal provision. There were also inconsistencies in the documentation of care plan rationale.

Of the 40 records reviewed, 29 detainees were assessed as ‘high risk’, requiring frequent observation. Yet 15 of these were placed on the lowest level of observation without justification recorded or any additional safeguards in place.

Mr Naylor said the same issue had been raised in Ayrshire, and reiterated the need for clear understanding and consistent application of observation protocols among custody staff.

The inspection team noted 13 previous recommendations which remained relevant to the Falkirk facility. These included concerns over the maintenance of essential infrastructure, the placement of CCTV viewing stations to minimise distraction, and adequate training for staff responsible for cleaning duties. Another recommendation urged a review of adherence to policy on the timing of detainee release.

Detainees interviewed during the inspection were positive about their treatment, with all 11 individuals speaking favourably about staff and care received.

Chief superintendent Chris Stewart said: “Police Scotland welcomes the publication of the report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland and is working to address its findings and implement its recommendations across its custody estate.  

“While there are ongoing issues identified, ongoing training of our people is targeted towards the themes raised by external scrutiny bodies and organisational learning.

“We also note that all detainees interviewed during the inspection were complimentary about the support provided by staff and the care of children in our centre was also highlighted as an example of good practice.”