• The information coming in with detainees was generally good. While considerable care was taken with some vulnerable detainees, a thorough initial risk assessment was lacking. • Women and children were not always kept appropriately separate from the main detainee population, in vans or in the cell areas, and there was limited provision for those with disabilities or faith-related needs. • Searching and handcuffing procedures were a matter of routine rather than related to risk, and were not always consistent; some of the handcuffing raised safety issues. There was little use of force. • Mental health services to the custody suites were good, including post-custody follow-up in the south of the area, and a scheme being piloted in the north where staff accompanied detainees to court. The full inspection report can be found at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/ downloads/publications/inspectoratereports/hmipris/court-custody-facilitiesinspections/cleveland-durhamnorthumbria-201 As reported in the last NPM annual report, the IMBs and HMIP began monitoring and inspecting overseas escorts in 2011. The need for independent monitoring of overseas escorts was evidenced by the tragic death of Jimmy Mubenga while being restrained by escort staff on board an aircraft during his deportation from the UK to Angola in October 2010. To take forward this work, HMIP conducted three inspections of detainees under escort, to Afghanistan ( June 2012), Ghana (March 2013), and Sri Lanka (Dec 2012). During the same period IMBs monitored three detainees under escort to Ghana, Nigeria and Afghanistan. Findings suggested that on the whole, escort procedures were well organised and escorts dealt with detainees sensitively and effectively. However, concerns were raised that not enough was done to reduce stress for detainees, that there was disproportionate use of force and restraint, and examples of unprofessional behaviour by escorts who used very offensive language in front of detainees and others. Concerns about detainees experiencing aggressive behaviour by home officials on arrival in their destination country, as well as the lack of information on their home country to help prepare for return, were also expressed. HMIP was also concerned that there were no recognised safe procedures for the use of restraint in the confined spaces of an aircraft. Similarly to HMIP, IMBs reported examples of offensive language being used in front of detainees. They also found that the time taken between the detainee being discharged from the immigration removal centre and boarding their aircraft was excessive. However, on a more positive note, they observed a reasonably well-run operation, with a lot of attention being paid to detainees and their concerns, by both the immigration team and the overseas escort contractor. Some of the recommendations made were: • the UK Border Agency (whose responsibilities are now carried out directly by the Home Office) should ensure that escorting staff receive full accredited training for the use of force in any situation which may arise, especially on board an 21