Eight areas for improvement are identified in the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland report of Kittybrewster Custody centre, Aberdeen which is the first in an on-going programme of custody inspections.

These regular inspections of custody centres follow the HMICS review of police custody in Scotland , which was published last year, and meet the national requirements that all places of detention are visited regularly to monitor the treatment of and conditions for detainees. They will be carried out in association with the HMICS local policing+ inspections across Scotland.

In the report published today (Thursday, May 14), HM Inspector of Constabulary Derek Penman said: “During this unannounced inspection we assessed the physical environment at the Kittybrewster facility in Aberdeen, interviewed detainees and custody staff, observed processes and reviewed the custody records of those detained.

“We also took into account the views and experiences of officers and staff working in Aberdeen City Division.

“The improvement actions we have identified relate to training, the use of interpreters, risk assessments, resources, segregation of areas used by male and female detainees, washing facilities and ease of access for those with mobility issues.

“Overall, we found that detainees at the police custody centre in Aberdeen are treated with fairness and respect by professional and courteous staff.”

Mr Penman also complimented Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority for delivering on the project for the £12,000,000 state of the art 60 cell facility at Kittybrewster, which opened in June 2014.