Prohibit handcuffing behind back while seated
The Home Office and contractors operating immigration removal centres must ensure that all staff are aware that the technique of handcuffing detained people with their hands behind their back while seated is not permitted, given its association with positional asphyxia.
- In December 2025, DSO 11/2025 (Use of Force for Adults in Detention) was published, explicitly prohibiting handcuffs behind the back while seated and citing the association with positional asphyxia, with a reference to the statutory basis in Section 44 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (Detention Services Order 11/2025, Home Office, 19 December 2025).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government has communicated to all IRC and contracted service provider staff that the technique of handcuffing behind backs whilst seated is not permitted.
Progress Timeline
Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'Completed and closed as of October 2024.'
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Inquiry Chair Kate Eves described government response as "inadequate" and called for a "reset" with the new government. Warned abuse "becomes a question of when, not if" it happens again.
View detailed findings
In September 2024, Kate Eves told Channel 4 News she was "disappointed with what I see as an inadequate response by the former government to an important report." She noted the inquiry cost about £20 million over four years. Home Office lawyers had argued her "recommendations are not binding."