Further Detail on the Report Topic

During the 2024/25 reporting period, ICVs carried out 1,035 visits to custody centres across Scotland and spoke to 1,427 people in custody.

This Annual Report highlights to the Authority, the Scottish Justice System, the public and the United Nations that during 2024-25 ICVs raised no OPCAT concerns.

It should be noted that for all data presented in the report, that data labelled as ‘issues’ can be raised by a detainee and be found to have already been addressed by Police Scotland. In total, ICVs raised 1,336 detainee requests with custody staff in the 2024/25 period. Of these, 1,185 (89%) were resolved at the time of the visit. This reflects the mature partnership approach between ICVs and custody staff, by ensuring that in most instances any issues that are observed to be impacting detainees are resolved promptly.

The Annual Report discusses thematic findings that have been identified as areas for improvement. The majority of these areas for improvement will be the responsibility of Police Scotland to address. However, a small number of findings will require input from other public sector partners or investment from Police Scotland to be resolved. 

The areas for improvement outlined in the Annual Report are as follows:

Finding 1 Mental Health Vulnerability – A growing demand Finding 2 Children in Custody
Finding 3 Staffing resources
Finding 4 Complaints Process
Finding 5 Requests relating to rights and entitlements:

Letter of Rights

Wash/shower

Solicitor

Named Person

Finding 6 Medical
Finding 7 Police custody estate

ICVs continue to report on the provision of custody services and the custody estate. These observations highlight that improvements are required to help custody staff and officers ensure the care and welfare for those held in police custody. In particular, the Annual Report discusses that the Police Scotland custody estate remains in need of modernisation. This has been a long-standing area for improvement noted by Police Scotland, the Authority and ICVS.

ICVs have raised dignity issues as an area of concern during this reporting period. This includes one instance whereby an individual’s underwear was found outside of a cell. ICVs have also reported significant challenges with regards to persons in custody not routinely being offered a wash or shower when they are in custody less than 24 hours. ICVS continues to advocate for policy changes to address this. 

Mental health remains the most frequently self-declared vulnerability for those coming into police custody. In 2024/25, 42% of individuals in custody had self-declared mental health vulnerabilities, remaining consistent from 43% in 2023/24. The Annual Report includes a case study to exemplify challenges that can be faced by custody staff in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone held in Police Scotland custody. 

The Annual Report notes that ICVs regularly praise custody officers and staff in their observations, noting the positive actions taken by individuals and team to keep those in custody safe and that their needs are met. It also summarises areas where ICVS has effected change and the achievements of the Scheme in the last reporting period. 

In the majority of cases issues raised by visitors are resolved immediately by Police Scotland and there should be assurance taken from the fact that no OPCAT issues have been observed.