Inspection Reveals Poor Conditions at Perth Sheriff Court Custody Unit
Staff at Perth Sheriff Court's custody unit were compelled to provide warm clothing to detainees due to the notably cold conditions within the cells, according to a recent report.
An unannounced inspection conducted in October of the previous year identified multiple issues including graffiti, structural damage, dampness, and inadequate ventilation and heating within the unit.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) noted that some of the damage had persisted for several years and that recommendations made in a 2020 inspection had not been implemented.
Inspectors concluded that the custody unit requires extensive refurbishment to meet acceptable standards of decency and hygiene.
The court custody unit (CCU), which holds individuals before and after court appearances, contains five cells and can accommodate up to 14 detainees.
The inspection report stated:
"The cells were cold at the time of inspection, with staff reporting that conditions deteriorated significantly during the winter months.
CCU staff had independently maintained a supply of warm clothing, sourced at their own initiative, to provide to custodies due to the cold temperatures in the cells.
This was observed first-hand by inspectors during the visit, by a custody complaining of being cold and asking for a blanket."
Staff Commitment Amid Challenging Conditions
The inspection highlighted that staff working within the unit were professional, motivated, and demonstrated a clear commitment to the care and safety of those in their custody.
However, the physical condition of the CCU was described as poor, with inspectors noting significant deterioration throughout the facility.
Similar to many other court custody units, the Perth CCU lacks accessible toilets and accessible routes for disabled individuals, both internally and from the rear courtyard, due to the presence of stairs.
The report explained:
"This meant the CCU was incapable of safely accommodating disabled people.
The solution was to hold people in custody with mobility issues in witness rooms, with access to disabled toilets next to the public areas within the court building awaiting their appearance in court."
Inspectors observed that the doors, walls, and ceilings of the cells exhibited extensive graffiti and general deterioration that had been present for many years, with damage that was "date stamped."
One cell had plaster falling from the walls and required repainting.
This issue had been previously identified as a recommendation during the 2020 HMIPS inspection.
The report stated:
"The poor state of repair and inadequate heating and ventilation collectively contributed to an environment that did not meet the reasonable expectations of custodial standards."
Recommendations and Official Responses
The inspectors made seven recommendations, including repairs and repainting of cells and corridors, as well as improvements to heating and ventilation systems to ensure safe and humane temperatures.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, Sara Snell, commented:
"Staff at Perth's court custody unit demonstrated the importance of this little seen role, showing care for, and a clear understanding of, the needs of the individuals in their custody.
The poor and deteriorating condition of the physical environment falls short of the basic standards expected and represents a real challenge across Scotland for many ageing court custody buildings.
The unit requires urgent investment to ensure it provides a safe, decent and humane environment for both staff and those held there."
A spokesperson for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) stated:
"We welcome the HMIPS report and its findings on the inspection of the court custody provision at Perth Sheriff Court.
SCTS will continue to work with Scottish Prison Service and HMIPS to consider future changes that maintain human decency and the safety, security and welfare of people held in custody."
