Lay Observers are independent, unpaid public appointees and work an average of 2-3 days per month. Their role is to provide independent oversight of how people detained in court cells and cellular vehicles are cared for and their access to justice.
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Lay Observers play an important role in the justice system by monitoring the welfare and access to justice of people being brought to court and held in court custody. They are appointed by the Secretary of State under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (CJA 1991) to provide independent oversight of how people detained in court cells and cellular vehicles are cared for and their access to justice.
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Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – February 2018
In February 2018, Lay Observers spoke to 566 of the 792 people in court custody during their visits. The number of the most serious incidents – level 3 reports – increased this month from 14 in January to 23 in February. However, most of these related to just three courts – Durham, Truro and Bedlington. … Read more >
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Court custody is failing to meet the welfare needs of children and young people, vulnerable people and people with disabilities
Lay Observers, who monitor conditions for detained people in court custody and under escort, call for action to promote the welfare and dignity of young, vulnerable and disabled people. Lay Observers frequently uncover instances where the treatment of children, young people and vulnerable or disabled adults in court custody puts their welfare at risk. In … Read more >
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Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – January 2018
In January 2018, Lay Observers spoke to 600 of the 829 people in court custody during their visits. During a routine monitoring visit, Lay Observers record notable deficiencies in the standard of care for detained people and defects in the physical environment which may have a negative impact on those detained. These are graded according … Read more >