Escorts and early days

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners know where they are going and what to expect when they arrive, unless there are individual security constraints which prevent sharing this information.
• Escort staff are aware of prisoners’ individual needs. All necessary information about risks and needs accompanies prisoners on their journey.
• Prisoners are escorted in vehicles that are safe, secure, clean and comfortable and fully equipped to cater for individual needs.
• Escort staff can easily observe prisoners and prisoners are always able to communicate with staff. Escort staff regularly check on prisoners’ welfare.
• Prisoners travelling to or between centres travel with staff known to them, who are familiar with the detail of their care and management plans.
• Prisoners are treated with respect by escort staff throughout their transfer, including being provided with adequate comfort breaks to meet their needs and meals/drinks before and during transfer.
• Prisoners’ personal belongings accompany them.
• Restraints are only used when justified by individual risk assessments.
• Prisoners are not kept waiting on vehicles after arrival.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Health and well-being are assessed on admission and immediate needs are addressed. Particular attention is paid to the risk of suicide and self-harm.
• Prisoners have a confidential interview with health services staff on arrival and their immediate physical, mental and substance misuse needs are met.
• Prisoners are treated respectfully by staff at the receiving establishment; for example, they are offered drinks and hot food.
• Searching arrangements are necessary and proportionate and based on individual risk assessment.
• Any characteristics or circumstances that suggest the prisoner may be at risk from other prisoners are identified and measures are put in place to make sure the prisoner is safe within the centre.
• Staff are aware of and respond to prisoners’ religious and cultural needs.
• The protected and minority characteristics of prisoners arriving at separation centres are identified and their needs are assessed. Reasonable adjustments are made to meet those needs.
• Prisoners receive essential support, regardless of their arrival time, and their individual needs are identified in a meeting with staff before they are locked up on their first night.
• Information about prisoners is communicated between staff with discretion.
• On arrival prisoners can shower before being locked up.
• Subject to public protection constraints and individual risk assessment, prisoners are provided with a free telephone call to the person of their choice. Any refusal is recorded in writing and justified.
• When staff, particularly night staff, arrive for their shift, they are briefed fully on the risks and needs of prisoners.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

•  Staff make sure prisoners are informed about the reasons for their transfer to a separation centre, in a format and language they understand.
• Prisoners understand how to challenge their allocation to a separation centre.
• Prisoners receive comprehensive information about the centre’s rules and regime in a format and language they understand.
• Induction includes a private conversation with a designated officer to identify and address any concerns.
• Prisoners are meaningfully occupied during induction and are allocated regime activity swiftly.
• Prisoners are encouraged and supported to arrange their first visit.