APPENDIX 25
Memorandum submitted by Loss Prevention
International Ltd
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Loss Prevention International Ltd (LPI)
has the sole contract with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate
for the escort from the United Kingdom of people being removed,
at public expense. These may be deportees, illegal migrants or
inadmissible passengers. All are people who have demonstrated
or declared an intention to resist removal, or for whom an escort
is deemed necessary for other reasons, for example because of
health (including mental health) considerations.
1.2 LPI has been providing this service
under contract since April 2000. Prior to this the company had
been supplying the service on an "ad hoc" basis since
1995.
1.3 Most removals are by air, but escorts
are provided for removals by sea, as necessary.
1.4 The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
contains detailed provisions about "detainee custody officers
(DCOs)". These include:
— The definition of a "DCO";
— The requirement for a "certificate
of authorisation" to be granted by the Secretary of State
in respect of anyone who is to be employed as a "DCO";
— The powers and duties of "DCOs".
1.5 All staff employed by LPI on escort
duties hold "certificates of authorisation" issued by
the Secretary of State. All hold permanent, full-time posts, as
escorts for detainees being removed from the United Kingdom under
immigration powers.
1.6 Escorted removals are undertaken both
on scheduled flights and chartered aircraft.
1.7 Within the United Kingdom detainees
are transported to the place of removal in our own fleet of unmarked
estate cars and mini-buses. This is a deliberate strategy designed
to reduce tension.
1.8 The overall approach is deliberately
low key and non-confrontational. The need for sensitive handling
of detainees is viewed as of paramount importance. However, firm
action, including the use of restraints, is sometimes necessary
when removal is resisted.
2. PROCEDURES
2.1 The Immigration Service (Detainee Escorting
& Population Management Unit) is responsible for co-ordinating
requests for escorts from the individual Immigration Offices,
and for "tasking" LPI. This is done by issue of a written
notice—on Immigration Service Forms 108 and 108a. These
forms give a risk assessment and details of special needs of the
person to be removed, including any medical features of the case.
The forms also set out the required dates for removal.
2.2 LPI staff allocate an escort team based
on:
— The gender of the individual(s).
— Special needs and risk assessment.
— Constitution of the party, if a family
group is being removed.
— Availability of escorts.
2.3 On commencement of the task the DCOs
travel to the place of detention to collect the detainee(s) and
transport them to the point of departure. The team that collects
the individual will normally be that which accompanies him/her
to the final destination. This allows the escorting officers to
build, as soon as possible, a constructive relationship with the
detainee. Good communication, and sympathetic handling can contribute
towards a successful removal, even of individuals with a history
of violence and disruption.
2.4 At airports, the escorting team moves
the detainee(s) immediately "airside", to the aircraft
departure stand. The team leader will liaise with the Captain
of the aircraft, and the detainee will be taken on board, before
the arrival of other passengers.
2.5 During the flight the DCOs accompanying
detainees are responsible for their welfare and other needs, and
for ensuring that they pose no risk to the aircraft or those on
board.
2.6 On arrival at the receiving country
the individuals are handed over to the appropriate authorities.
2.7 As a matter of routine, on scheduled
flights the escort team comprises of 2 DCOs to 1 detainee. This
ratio is reviewed and altered depending on the numbers of detainees
being removed (eg a family group) and the risk assessment. On
charter flights we fly with teams of DCOs ranging from between
20 to 40, depending on the number of detainees being removed on
the aircraft. Every charter flight also has a fully equipped medical
team aboard.
3. RECRUITMENT,
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT
AND QUALIFICATIONS
3.1 Many of LPI's staff have military or
police experience. Some have nursing (including psychiatric nursing)
qualifications, and experience; some have worked in the Prison
Service; and others have airline experience.
3.2 The Induction Training for DCOs includes:
— Welfare, race relations and cultural
awareness;
— Conflict resolution and stress management;
— Control and Restraint techniques;
— Interpersonal skills; including relations
with overseas control authorities;
— First Aid, including para-medic training;
and
3.3 All medical escorts attend the full
Induction Course, and have to be certificated as "detainee
custody officers" before they commence escort functions.
They receive additional training, including:
— Aero-medical nursing techniques;
— Advanced life support and trauma
care; and
3.4 The recruitment and training process,
and the certification of staff as DCOs is designed to ensure that
they can deal with all aspects of an escorted removal, including:
— Safeguarding aircraft, passengers
and crew;
— Security and safety of the individual
being removed;
— Avoidance of inconvenience to other
passengers;
— Custody whilst in transit; and
— Handover to the appropriate authorities
at destination.
3.5 There is also a well-developed programme
of continuation training.
3.6 All DCOs are actively encouraged to
study towards the NVQ 3 qualification in Custodial Care.
4. QUALITY STANDARDS
4.1 Since 1995 LPI has been BSI registered
to the International Quality Assurance standard, BS EN ISO 9002:1994,
for the provision of Overseas Escorting services. Currently the
company is engaged in revising its registration to meet the requirements
of the new BS EN ISO 900:2000 standard.
4.2 In mid 2001, LPI was awarded Investors
in People Recognition.
4.3 LPI firmly believes that a key factor
in its success is a "Works Council" chaired by the Managing
Director and comprising key personnel and representatives from
each of the operational grades of DCO. This group examines all
aspects of the company's operations and make recommendations for
improvements, as necessary.
October 2002
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