Deportee staff criticised for ‘derogatory attitude’

Private security officers removing deportees from the UK showed “a shamefully unprofessional and derogatory attitude” that did not give confidence that any serious incidents would be dealt with effectively, inspectors have said.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2011, 07:00 BST

Nick Hardwick, the chief inspector of prisons, said some staff showed an “unacceptably unprofessional attitude” and tensions were raised when force or restraint was used unnecessarily.

Some escorts spoke to detainees in patronising terms while others used “highly offensive and sometime racist language” between themselves, he said.

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He added that it was a concern that inspectors needed to urge the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to ensure detainees “are treated decently at all times, with no physical or verbal abuse, throughout their journey and when they arrive”.

The UKBA said it expected “the highest levels of integrity” from its staff and contractors, adding that “racist and unprofessional behaviour would not be tolerated”.

The critical reports come after inspectors accompanied 104 staff who were escorting 35 detainees to Jamaica and 131 escorts who were removing 53 detainees to Lagos, Nigeria, in March and April this year respectively.

They also reviewed records of previous removals.

The flights were chartered by the UKBA and private security firm G4S provided the guards.