Concerns have been raised about the length of time prisoners are being kept in holding cells at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.
A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) found the lengthy delays result in busier, more disruptive units which “potentially pose a higher risk than is necessary”.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, which is in charge of the justice hub, has also been told to address inadequate disabled toilet facilities for people in custody.
Prisoners with mobility issues are only able to use one toilet which is within a public area of the dated building.
The watchdog has told the court to review its fire evacuation facilities for disabled prisoners as there is only one wheelchair in place at present.
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Recommendations have also been made to address blind spots in the holding area near the courtrooms, where prisoners could potentially hide from Court Custody Unit (CCU) staff.
The report also noted while the unit was sufficiently equipped, it felt quite cramped and was in need of general maintenance to remove graffiti and to replace the flooring.
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Staff working in the unit were praised for being well-motivated and running the facility well. They were also commended for having a good working relationship with partner agencies and communicating well with prisoners.
HM Chief Inspector Wendy Sinclair-Gieben said: “The disabled access and toilet facilities within the court gave cause for some concern and should be reviewed and updated with some urgency.”
She added: “Finally, and more generally, inspectors became increasingly aware that a significant number of individuals spend long periods of time secured in the CCU.
“The lengthy periods are, in large part, a product of the requirements of the escorting contract.
“HMIPS questions why it is a requirement to have all prisoners arrive at the CCU’s by 9.30am, when it is known that many individuals will not be required in court until the afternoon.
“This situation means that CCU’s are busier, more disruptive, and potentially pose a higher risk than is necessary.
“HMIPS would like to see a better utilisation of resources and time e.g. wider use of video-conferencing facilities, and a smarter approach to prisoner transportation.”
A SCTS spokesperson said they welcomed the findings from the inspection and said: “We 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.
“The custody suite in Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court is continually maintained and any matters being brought to our attention are investigated, repaired, actioned when required.
“Work is scheduled to begin early in 2019 that will provide two new criminal courtrooms and a court custody unit at the existing Kirkcaldy police station building.
“This will provide new facilities for all custodies and for the majority of court custodies to be processed.
“The creation of the new courtrooms will improve efficiency and flexibility in managing day to day business increasing the number of courtrooms and providing improved accommodation for court users, including victims, witnesses and jurors.”
