News
COURT CUSTODY WATCHDOG PRAISES STAFF DEDICATION DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK
John Thornhill, the National Chair of the Lay Observers (LOs) – who are volunteers appointed by ministers to ensure that people transported to and detained in court custody are treated with respect and decency – today praised the ‘caring and committed’ approach of court and escort staff during the Covid-19 outbreak. The 60-strong LO team … Read more >
UPDATE ON LAY OBSERVER ACTIVITY DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK
Lay Observers National Chair John Thornhill today updated stakeholders as follows: At this unprecedented time of the Covid–19 crisis our paramount concern is for the safety and health of all involved in our area of activity – detainees, custody and transport staff and Lay Observers. Given these concerns and based on the Government advice issued … Read more >
Poor recording of health needs putting children and young people’s welfare in jeopardy, says custody watchdog in 2018/19 annual report
Vulnerable people ‘falling through the net’ of complex prison, police, court and transport arrangements Poor recording of health risks, unnecessary use of handcuffs and custody suites which are unclean and covered in sometimes gang-related or abusive graffiti are putting vulnerable people’s welfare and their access to justice in jeopardy. The situation is compounded by a … Read more >
NPM report highlights concerns for detainees who are not being held in safe and decent conditions
The National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) is the United Kingdom’s structure for complying with its commitment to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). In their Ninth Annual Report, published today, the NPM presents the findings of the 21 member organisations, including those … Read more >
Annual report of Lay Observers highlights risk of serious consequences to welfare and access to justice for detained persons as result of lack of coherent approach to exercising duty of care
In his third annual report to the Secretary of State for Justice, the former Chairman of Lay Observers for England and Wales, Tony Fitzsimons, details failings in the care of people held in custody at courts and transported between police stations, prisons and courts by escort contractors. The 2017-18 annual report repeats continued concern that … Read more >
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 >
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 >
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 >
Recruitment for Chair of Lay Observers’ National Council now underway
Those with an interest in independent scrutiny in places of detention may also be interested to know that recruitment for the position of Chair of the Lay Observers’ National council is now underway. The process is being run by the Cabinet Office’s Centre for Public Appointments, see link below for more information and how to … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – December 2017
In December 2017, Lay Observers spoke to 456 of the 946 people in court custody during their visits. As winter took hold, the temperature in cells fell in courts with defective heating systems. 15 custodies had very cold temperatures that had an impact on the wellbeing of both detained people and staff. In many of … Read more >