Source · IMB Annual Report
Dover
Year: 2022
Published: 30 Nov 2022
Type: Prison · Cat STHF
Key concerns
Positive findings
The Dover Independent Monitoring Board's 2021 report details critical issues at the Tug Haven, Kent Intake Unit (KIU), and Frontier House Short-Term Holding Facilities. While some initial improvements were noted in induction processes and staff interactions, the facilities were largely unsuitable for their purpose, particularly Tug Haven, which routinely held detainees overnight in overcrowded, unheated tents with inadequate sleeping, washing, and food provisions. Significant concerns were raised about poor hygiene, brief and ineffective medical screenings leading to undetected serious injuries, and excessive lengths of stay, causing distress and confusion among detainees, including vulnerable families and children.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 0 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 1 | — |
| Prisoner assaults | 3 | — |
| Use of force | 4 | — |
Positive findings
The report notes initial improvements at Tug Haven, including better induction processes, increased privacy during searches, and respectful interactions between staff and detainees. Age assessment processes improved, with previous concerns about minors being incorrectly transferred to IRCs largely addressed. Staff were observed to be professional, empathetic, and responsive, with detainees speaking highly of them. Covid-19 testing arrangements also showed robustness compared to previous reports.
Key concerns
Overcrowding
The Tug Haven was clearly overstretched, manifestly unsuitable for holding detained people overnight. Sleeping conditions observed were extremely crowded, with people packed so closely together that there was no space between mats, and some individuals slept on double-decker buses. The tent facilities were unsuitable during cold periods and winter months.
Food/Catering
Food provision was inadequate; at the KIU only breakfast bars were offered from April, and at Tug Haven, only water and plain biscuits were provided. This basic snack provision was unacceptable for those staying more than a few hours.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Hygiene facilities were appalling: Tug Haven had no running water for washing beyond hand-washing sinks, and detainees routinely went several days without bathing. Toilets were extremely dirty, with faeces clearly visible and little evidence of cleaning. A pervasive smell of diesel in the tents further indicated poor hygiene, exacerbated by the inability to wash.
Healthcare
Medical staffing was insufficient, with only one professional serving both Frontier House and KIU. Medical screenings were brief and often failed to identify serious medical issues, disabilities, or injuries like chemical burns, bed bugs, and severe fuel burns, leading to transfers with undetected and untreated conditions.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Detainees experienced excessively long lengths of stay; many slept at Tug Haven overnight despite its unsuitability, and individuals at KIU were held for up to two days. This was particularly concerning for families and children.
Safety
Detainees at Tug Haven were frequently confused about their location, destination, or what was happening to them, indicating a severe lack of clear and timely information.
Safety
Safeguarding concerns for children were noted, including instances where children as young as two weeks old were observed, and some children were sharing tents with unknown adults.
Other reports for Dover
Report details
- Establishment
- Dover
- Type
- Prison · Cat STHF
- Report year
- 2022
- Published
- 30 November 2022
- Responsible body
- Dover
Service providers
Humanitarian Aid
Red Cross
Medical services
Medevent
Minor Support
Refugee Council
Plumbing/Maintenance
Dyno-rod