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<p>It may be necessary to restrain an individual in detention in order to reduce the
risk of escape, prevent harm to the public, detainees or staff, or to prevent damage
to property. In addition, an individual may be restrained to prevent them from self-harming
or obstructing their removal.</p><p>Published guidance, and the training received
by detainee custody officers makes it clear that physical force, and the use of waist
restraint belts or handcuffs, should only be used after a thorough assessment of risk,
and in consideration of each individual’s personal circumstances. Restraints should
be removed at the earliest opportunity.</p><p>The Home Office reviews all reports
resulting from a use of force to ensure that techniques are used proportionately,
that they are justified, and are used for the minimum period required.</p><p>There
are contractual obligations for IRC suppliers to ensure detainees report on time to
the escorting contractor to ensure compliance with scheduled removal directions. Although
the Home Office can impose financial and operational remedies if obligations as part
of the contract are not met, this would be based on a thorough investigation and consideration
of any mitigating factors. In these circumstances, detainee welfare would take precedence
over imposing any such penalties.</p><p>Robust statutory oversight is provided by
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and Independent Monitoring Boards, ensuring that detainees
are treated with proper standards of care and decency in detention and during the
removal process. Reports by HMIP and IMBs are published on their respective websites.</p>
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