Staff bear weapons at detention centre

Staff at an immigration removal centre are allowed to routinely
carry weapons.

The chief inspector of prisons, Anne Owers, has now called for an
end to the “intimidating” practice of staff carrying staves at the
Haslar centre in Hampshire.

She said her inspectors were told that a member of staff had drawn
the baton-type instrument, but did not specify whether it had been
used.

But inspectors said overall staff-detainee relationships were
“reasonably good”. Their report recommends a major refurbishment
programme if the centre is to continue to be used. 

Home Office minister Tony McNulty said that this was being
considered.