10.19 In the three months before the inspection, 57% of detainees were removed, 28% transferred and 15% received temporary admission or bail. Removal and release was an audit-driven process, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that detainees left the centre quickly and quietly. Staff had to complete the necessary documentation promptly to comply with time targets. 10.20 We spoke to detainees with removal directions who had generally been given two or three
days' notice. However, staff in the reception area said that many detainees had not received written removal directions.
10.21 Managers told us that staff took care in the management of detainees identified as potentially violent or disruptive, particularly those with a history of difficult to manage behaviour. This usually involved a discussion between staff working in reception and the security department, and the use of additional staff. There appeared to be no multidisciplinary care plans or full risk assessments. We were told that there were usually three or four cases a month when a detainee refused to leave the centre voluntarily. In these circumstances the immigration authorities were notified and they arranged for a special escort. Since January 2006 there had been two or three occasions where detainees were not prepared to cooperate with these special escorts and had to be placed on transport forcibly. We found no written plans relating to these situations. There were no formal procedures for dealing with vulnerable individuals during their transfer, discharge or removal.
10.22 Detainees released into the community were given a taxi to the nearest underground station or a travel warrant. There was no systematic provision of financial assistance to those released without any means, although most detainees had very limited means – 53% had less than £1 in their account and 42% had between £1 and £5.
Recommendations
10.23 Links with community-based organisations that can support detainees should be
strengthened and extended.
10.24 Identity requirements for visitors should be clear and not unduly restrictive:
photographic identification should not be necessary.
10.25 Staff should exercise appropriate discretion in granting entry to visitors who have
difficulty producing the required proof of identity.
10.26 The decoration and atmosphere in the visits area should be more welcoming. 10.27 There should be a complaints system and comments book in the visits area.
10.28 Visitors should be consulted for their views on the visiting arrangements and the centre
should take action accordingly.
10.29 There should be no restrictions on contact between families and detainees during
visits, except to maintain decency.
10.30 Telephones should not be removed from detainees' rooms as a punishment.
10.31 Detainees should be given written notice in advance of transfer, removal or discharge,
except in exceptional circumstances.
10.32 Detainees due for transfer, discharge or removal and considered at risk of self-harm or
violent behaviour should be subject to a multidisciplinary care plan and risk assessment.
Section 11: Recommendations,
housekeeping and good practice
The following is a listing of recommendations and examples of good practice included in this report. The reference numbers at the end of each refer to the paragraph location in the main report.
Main recommendations
To the director general, IND11.1 Direction signs to Harmondsworth immigration removal centre (IRC) should be installed immediately. (HE.37)
11.2 There should be sufficient, suitably experienced, on-site immigration staff to engage with all detainees and respond to their queries. (HE.45)
11.3 Detainees and staff in the education centre should have access to the internet. As a priority, direct internet access should be available to staff in the library to properly meet detainees’ diverse information needs. (HE.46)
To IND and the centre manager
11.4 Detailed information relevant to risk and needs should be provided to escorting and receiving establishment staff on fully completed IS91 detention authority forms; including information on those transferring from prisons. (HE.35)
11.5 Centre managers should identify the causes of the high reported levels of victimisation of detainees by staff and take appropriate action. All complaints made by detainees should be fully investigated, and serious allegations against staff monitored. (HE.38)
11.6 Detainees should have access to sufficient independent legal advice to meet their needs in respect of their immigration status and immigration bail rights. (HE.44)
To the centre manager
11.7 The centre should monitor notifications issued under rule 35 of the Detention Centre Rules, including allegations of torture, following transmission to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate case holder (IND). IND should review the case and respond promptly. (HE.36) 11.8 Detainee custody officers (DCOs) should interact with detainees and be encouraged to
develop knowledge of and positive relationships with them. (HE.39)
11.9 There should be well understood multidisciplinary procedures in place to identify and manage the risk of self harm, and effective and speedy resolution of identified failings. (HE.40) 11.10 All detainees should receive an effective induction from adequately resourced induction staff.
11.11 All security and centre procedures should be revised to ensure that they comply with the purpose of detention centres, as set out in the Detention Centre Rules. (HE.42)
11.12 There should be a mental health needs analysis to identify and determine the clinical need for specialist psychiatric support for detainees. (HE.43)
11.13 Paid work, or incentives in addition to competitions, should be introduced. (HE.47)
11.14 There should be a welfare scheme to prepare detainees for their removal or release. (HE.48)