Private contractors used excessive restraint on low-risk asylum seekers on a removal flight out of the UK, inspectors have revealed in a damning report. The staff, who outnumbered detainees by more than three to one and were employed by Tascor, which is part of the outsourcing giant, Capita, used disrespectful language about detainees, including referring to one as “an arse”, inspectors said. In its report, HMIP said a staff briefing prior to the flight had “emphasised the risks of disruption and the need for vigilance”, focusing solely on control and not on detainees’ treatment or welfare. This includes the introduction of body-worn cameras under the new escorting contract with Mitie, which commenced on 1 May. “Any use of force must be justified and proportionate and used only as a last resort.

Source: The Guardian May 14, 2018 22:52 UTC