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Security and safety

Security of Prisoners at Court Protocol (Back to top)

The Security of Prisoners at Court Protocol is a joint national protocol between HMPPS and HMCTS on the security of prisoners at court.

It is for the safe and secure management of court proceedings, involving defendants being transported to and from court and secure establishments.

The protocol has been signed by HMPPS Chief Executive Officer and HMCTS Chief Executive Officer, and supported by the Lord Chief Justice and Senior Presiding Judge.

The Lord Chief Justice has issued a Criminal Practice Direction setting out guidance supporting this protocol for the judiciary.

This protocol should be used in the event of stakeholder concerns that a prisoner may present security and safety risks when attending court. Annex G in the document should be completed and presented to the court. Guidance on this process can be obtained from your local PECS Contract Delivery Manager.

The procedures ensure that adequate security measures are in place to mitigate risk without compromising delivery of justice or the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

This protocol applies equally to proceedings in magistrate and crown courts, the Court of Appeal, High Court and all civil, family and coroner’s courts.

Body worn video cameras (BWVC) (Back to top)

The Courts Prescribed Recordings Order 2023 came into force on 24th October 2023 allowing specified security officers, PECS staff, police officers and court and tribunal security staff to wear and use body worn video cameras (BWVCs) in court buildings.

The purpose being that recording via body worn video in HMCTS buildings and its precincts is for the purposes of maintaining public order and the protection and safety of the judiciary, court staff, parties, legal representatives and others involved in proceedings and the public.

Who, where and when are BWVCs used?

  • Prison custody officers, enhanced custody officers, dual badged custody officers
  • Holding cells; custody cells; vehicle dock areas; courtrooms (including dock areas)
  • Outside of the building but within the area of the court
  • In response to a security alert, an escape or report of an escape

The use of BWVCs is carefully managed under legislation and strict training, with data stored in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (including UKGDPR).

Footage will only be recorded once activated by the member of staff in response to circumstances outlined above.

The use of BWVCs in youth courts is not permitted, unless authorised by the judge following PECS supplier concerns over the security or behaviour of a child.

The judge will consider any request through the process outlined within the Security of Prisoners at Court Protocol (Annex G).

Management of Category A prisoners (Back to top)

Any prisoner designated as Category A, or restricted status in the case of women and children, will be managed by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

Transport between prisons/secure sites and court custody suites will be undertaken by the HMPPS long term high security estate.

Management of the prisoner(s) within the court custody suite and the dock will also be undertaken by HMPPS staff.

The PECS suppliers will not be responsible for any transport or supervision of these prisoners.

Risk management at court (cuffing/dPERs) (Back to top)

The Security of Prisoners at Court Protocol covers applications for cuffing in court and use of BWVC use in youth courts. 

Covers use of secure and insecure docks (may require change to secure dock).

There may be instances where PECS suppliers provide more than one officer in the dock dependent on risk a prisoner(s) present.