Inspectors have raised concerns about the privacy of detainees in Tayside after it emerged CCTV images of toilet areas in police cells were not pixelated.
Potential ligature points were also found in cells in Arbroath and Perth, increasing the risk of detainees harming themselves.
In Dundee, “significant concerns” were raised about hygiene after cells were found “contaminated” with food, drink and body fluids.
A follow up visit to Bell Street headquarters by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) in November 2017 found that a deep clean had been carried out and day-to-day cleaning arrangements were reviewed, with inspectors told the force will now ensure all custody cells are deep cleaned twice a year.
The inspector acknowledged this but said the body is concerned it took an inspection for changes to happen and that there was scope for “further improvement”.
The HMICS report stated: “Cell door hatches, walls, benches and toilets were contaminated with food and drink and bodily fluids.
“Cell corridors were messy, and the sink and shower areas were dirty and slip hazards had not been removed. Many of the mattresses and pillows were in a poor state.
“We also had concerns about the cleanliness of the kitchen which is used to prepare detainee meals as well by custody staff for storing and preparing their own meals.
“There were potential ligature points in cells at Arbroath and Perth. The toilet areas of cells monitored by CCTV were not pixelated on the monitoring screens, compromising detainee privacy.”
The report added 15 minute observations were not carried out, which was at odds with practice elsewhere in Scotland.
However, staff working across the custody centres in Arbroath, Dundee and Perth were praised for being “professional and respectful”, with the detainees “generally satisfied” with how they were treated.
There were said to be effective handovers between shifts, with good briefing of incoming teams on the history and needs of individual detainees.
Detainees in Tayside benefit from 24-hour nurse-led healthcare provision based at Dundee custody centre. The nurse also travels to Arbroath and Perth.
Inspectors told Police Scotland to ensure the toilet areas of cells monitored by CCTV are pixelated to preserve detainee privacy.
Chief Superintendent Garry McEwan from Police Scotland’s Criminal Justice Service Division said: “I welcome the HMICS report and the acknowledgement that we’ve undertaken a significant programme of work following the initial inspection of custody facilities in Tayside.
“The care and welfare of people in police custody is a top priority for Police Scotland and the report recognises many of the improvements made, including the roll out of a National Custody System and enhanced risk assessment tools.
“We recognise the recommendation made and steps are currently being taken to address this.”
