UK: Deportation instructions
01 January 1996
A circular to Chief Constables, issued in August 1995, sets out the procedures to be followed by police forces when assisting immigration officials carrying out deportations. The circular says:
"Assisting immigration inquiries in the community is a highly sensitive area of police work and should be conducted with due regard and respect for the subject(s) of the enquiry and the concerns of community groups, while being consistent with Ministerial commitment to a firm, effective and fair immigration control."
In the wake of the death of Joy Gardner the circular is concerned with the police role where "history suggests that determined or violent resistance is likely".
Annex A says:
"the use of mouth restraints (which was suspended in August 1993) should not be resumed. The use of a belt with handcuffs to restrain the arms and belt to restrain the legs should be allowed, but only in strictly controlled conditions. In particular, there should be a prior medical examination in any case where the use of the belt with handcuffs is contemplated... Save in the most exceptional circumstances, arm and leg restraints should be used only on board aircraft and in the period immediately prior to boarding the aircraft... Further consideration should be given to whether acceptable means can be found to prevent biting, spitting and shouting by those determined to resist removal."
Annex B to the circular is a sample request form from the Immigration Service for police assistance. The information to be given covers: "Precise reasons for requesting police assistance" and includes: "History of mental.physical illness"; "Subject of media interest/topical issues"; "Dangerous associates - eg criminal/terrorist/extreme political".
Annex C divides immigration deportation raids into three categories:
"Lower tier visits... where no more than 3 immigration offenders are targeted or likely to be encountered."
"Middle tier operations... between 4 and 9 targeted immigration offenders.."
"Upper tier (major) operations... where 10 or more targeted immigration offenders are expected to be found.. these procedures may also be appropriate in the following circumstances: where the apprehension of a single or small number of offenders is likely to attract particular public, media or parliamentary interest... [and] will be reported to Ministers before they are conducted."
Annex E, "Escorted Removals" includes the instruction that:
"In asylum cases, escorts should not disclose the immigration history of the person under escort. This applies in particular to the authorities of the country of destination."
Home Office/Police Review of removal procedures in immigration cases involving the police, Police (CC) Circular No 12/1995, Restricted distribution - Chief Constables only.